Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight vs Thunder? Exploring Spurs big man's status ahead of preseason opener (Oct. 7)

After a dominant rookie season, Victor Wembanyama is gearing up to take a massive step forward in year two. While the San Antonio Spurs kick off their preseason slate, it looks like they'll be doing so without the services of the reigning Rookie of the Year.

On Monday night, the Spurs are taking on the OKC Thunder in a jam-packed preseason slate. Ahead of this game, a handful of players have already been ruled out for San Antonio. Among those not expected to suit up is Wembanyama.

The Spurs are likely taking things slow with Victor Wembanyama after he had a short offseason. This summer, he competed for his home country of France at the 2024 Summer Olympics. In his first time playing on the biggest international stage, Wembanyama helped lead his team to a silver medal.

It did not take long for Wembanyama to display why he was such a highly-touted prospect heading into the 2023 draft. He impressed on both ends of the floor, but it was his defense that stood out the most. Aside from taking home Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama also took home the blocks title and made an All-Defense team.

Wembanyama will likely get reps in the preseason at some point, but it doesn't seem like it will be against the Thunder on Monday.

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Victor Wembanyama makes his own 82-0 starting lineup

During training camp, Victor Wembanyama was put through an interesting exercise. While speaking with CBS Sports, he had to put together an all-time lineup that could go 82-0 that included himself.

Wembanyama was slotted in at center and had to fill out the cast of guards and forwards around him. The four players he picked were a mix of current and all-time greats.

In the backcourt, Victor Wembanyama went with Steph Curry at point guard and Michael Jordan at shooting guard. LeBron James was chosen for small forward, with Spurs legend Tim Duncan rounding out the lineup at power forward.

It's not surprising to see any of these players mentioned, especially Duncan. Since joining the Spurs, Wembanyama has had multiple encounters with the Hall of Fame forward. Following his retirement, Duncan has remained close to the Spurs organization. He was even an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich for a brief stint.

Given the level of success each of the four players have had in their respective careers, Wembanyama's lineup certainly could go 82-0.

In a few short weeks, Wembanyama will embark on his second season in the NBA. He'll look to continue chasing the all-time greats like the ones he previously mentioned. Based on how he performed as a rookie, there's no denying Wembanyama is on the fast track to superstardom in the league.