Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are set to face the Washington Wizards on Sunday. The Spurs look to extend their win streak to six games after a 126-98 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Ahead of their contest, coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that Wemabanyama will continue to come off the bench.
It will be his fourth game back since missing 12 games due to a calf strain. Since his return, the team has been cautious in its approach to incorporating the big man back into the lineup. His return was in the semifinals of the NBA Cup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wembanyama came off the bench to help the team advance to the Finals.
Against the New York Knicks, the Spurs opted to have the Frenchman come off the bench for a second time. In the past two games, the big man has been the team’s sixth man, as they continue to manage his minutes carefully.
Johnson discussed the Spurs’ strategy of giving their top player a few minutes off the bench before their game versus the Wizards.
“That’s going to be the plan until it’s not. The season’s long and grueling, so it’s not like Day 5 of this or day whatever of that. It’s a treacherous schedule, and so we have to continue to take it day-by-day,” Johnson said.
Mitch Johnson on bringing Victor Wembanyama off the bench in limited minutes, via @tom_orsborn:
"That’s going to be the plan until it’s not. The season's long and grueling, so it's not like Day 5 of this or day whatever of that. It's a treacherous schedule, and so we have to… https://t.co/i5UrzfL6o1
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 21, 2025
Wembanyama has averaged 25.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists through 15 games this season. He’s also been the biggest reason why the Spurs have a 20-7 record.
Luke Kornet has taken over the starting spot for Victor Wembanyama
Veteran big man Luka Kornet has done a lot of work as the Spurs’ starting center since Victor Wembanyama’s leg injury. In the 2025-26 NBA season, Kornet has started in 14 games, averaging 6.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
Although he doesn’t apply a similar defensive pressure to Wembanyama, Kornet is still a capable rim protector. During his stretch as the starter, he’s had 23 blocks. Against the Wizards on Sunday, he’ll continue to take over for Wembanyama.
However, it won’t be long until Victor Wembanyama is back in the starting lineup. Given that he had a long absence due to a calf strain, the Spurs want to ensure he’s 100% healthy.
