- Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and is expected to miss the rest of the NBA season
- The San Antonio Spurs medical staff believes it is an isolated case, with no other blood clots detected in his body
- Following the news, the Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-109, handing their opponents a fourth consecutive loss
Key Takeaways:
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, ruling him out for at least the remainder of the NBA season. The Frenchman underwent medical tests confirming the condition, and while the team’s medical staff believes it is an isolated case, there is no timeline for his return.
Breaking: Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the Spurs announced. pic.twitter.com/WnvCRd04qd
— ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2025
The situation raises concerns following similar cases in the past. Last year, Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson recovered from a blood clot and resumed playing. However, Miami Heat legend Chris Bosh was diagnosed with thrombosis a decade ago, a condition that ultimately forced him into early retirement.
Wembanyama, now in his second NBA season, has been averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game. He was widely considered the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award before the health setback.
Despite the news, San Antonio secured a 120-109 home win over the Phoenix Suns (31:21, 29:33, 34:25, 26:30) in a regular-season game. The victory improved the Spurs’ record to 24 wins in 53 games, placing them 12th in the Western Conference standings.
The Suns, meanwhile, suffered their fourth consecutive loss and now hold an 11th-place position in the West with a 26-29 record.
De’Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie added 15 points each. Seven Spurs players finished in double-digit scoring. For Phoenix, Royce O’Neale was the top performer, finishing with 27 points.