Victor Wembanyama sat out his first game of the season on Sunday due to a sore calf, but the Spurs managed to secure a win over the Sacramento Kings without him. 

The team had downplayed the injury; he appeared in a sleeve after the game but didn’t need a walking boot. An MRI confirmed a strained left calf. Wembanyama is expected to be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.

The 7-foot-4 phenom has been amazing this season, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, four assists, and 3.6 blocks per game, with his three-point shooting gradually moving closer to the basket. While the Spurs’ defence suffers when he’s off the court, they still outscore opponents thanks to strong guard play.

Sunday’s game highlighted that depth. De’Aaron Fox, just back from injury, led the charge with 28 points and 11 assists, while Luke Kornet stepped into the starting centre role with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Veteran Kelly Olynyk also picked up extra minutes off the bench.

Wembanyama joins No. 2 pick Dylan Harper in street clothes as the Spurs handle his recovery cautiously. After last season’s calf-to-Achilles injury disaster with Tyrese Haliburton, teams are taking extra care this year with similar injuries to avoid bigger setbacks.