Victor Wembanyama returns from injury, but the Spurs face multiple player absences for the season opener.

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ 2023 No. 1 pick, has been cleared to return after missing the 2024-25 season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, which required surgery in March. The 21-year-old center, now officially 7-foot-4 and tied with Zach Edey as the tallest active NBA player, says he’s in peak condition after an intense offseason training regimen. He averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 46 appearances before his injury. Despite his return, the Spurs face setbacks as point guard De’Aaron Fox, acquired in a trade from Sacramento, is sidelined with a hamstring injury and not expected to play in the season opener on October 22 against the Mavericks. The team also drafted Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick, but he is recovering from thumb surgery and will not play in the preseason. The Spurs open the 2025-26 season in Dallas.