San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama didn't return in the second half of Monday's 115-102 win against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a left rib contusion, the team announced, according to The Athletic's Jared Weiss.
Wembanyama appeared to sustain the injury in the second quarter after seemingly taking an elbow from 76ers forward Paul George. He remained on the floor in visible pain before eventually rising to his feet.
The 7-foot-4 star briefly went to the Spurs' locker room but returned in the second quarter. However, he didn't play after halftime and was replaced by Luke Kornet.
The Spurs entered the half with a 62-55 lead over the Sixers. Wembanyama recorded 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in nearly 16 minutes of action.
The two-time All-Star is averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and league-leading 3.1 blocks this campaign.
An injury in the final week of the regular season could cost Wembanyama an opportunity to qualify for the end-of-season NBA awards. He needs to play at least 20 minutes in one of San Antonio's remaining three games to meet the 65-game threshold.
The Spurs will host the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks before ending the regular season against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
