Victor Wembanyama isn’t just playing through fatigue—he’s rewriting expectations. The 21-year-old French phenom will take the floor for the San Antonio Spurs against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, despite being on the back end of their first back-to-back of the season. His availability isn’t just a roster update; it’s a statement. After dropping 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 6.0 blocks per game in the Spurs’ first three wins, Wembanyama is already the early favorite for Western Conference Player of the Week—and now, he’s doing it on tired legs.
Coach Johnson’s Confidence Is More Than Just Optimism
Head coach Mitch Johnson, who took over for Gregg Popovich last season, didn’t just say Wembanyama would play—he made it clear the team expects him to dominate. "He looked fresh after the game," Johnson told reporters following the Spurs’ 118-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets on October 26. "He’s in the best shape of his life. We’re not treating him like a fragile asset. We’re treating him like the engine we built this team around." The timing couldn’t be more critical. The Spurs are 3-0 for the first time since 2019, and Wembanyama’s presence is the only reason they’ve survived a brutal injury wave. Five key rotation players—including De’Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan, and Kelly Olynyk—are sidelined, leaving the Spurs with a skeleton crew. Yet, they’ve outscored opponents by 12.3 points per 100 possessions in Wembanyama’s minutes. That’s not luck. That’s dominance.The Spurs’ Injury Crisis Is Real—But So Is Their Resilience
The injury report reads like a nightmare: Jeremy Sochan (left wrist sprain), De’Aaron Fox (right hamstring strain), Luke Kornet (left ankle sprain), Kelly Olynyk (heel surgery recovery), and Lindy Waters III (eye procedure). That’s nearly half the rotation gone. And yet, the Spurs are leading the Western Conference. How? Because Wembanyama is playing like a man who’s been waiting his whole life for this moment.He’s not just scoring. He’s altering shots at the rim like a human paintbrush, swatting away drives before they begin. His three-point shooting? 41% on 6.2 attempts per game. That’s not a stretch big. That’s a new position: the 7’3" point-center who can run the floor and finish like a guard. Opponents are scrambling. The Raptors know it. Scottie Barnes, their best defender, will be tasked with guarding a player who can step back for a three or blow past him with a spin move. There’s no perfect answer.
Raptors Enter With Momentum—But No Answer for Wemby
Toronto enters the game 1-2, but they’re not out of it. Scottie Barnes (19.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is playing like an All-Star, and Jakob Poeltl (14.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg) has been a rock in the paint. But here’s the twist: Poeltl used to play for San Antonio. He knows the Spurs’ system. He knows how to slow Wembanyama down. But can he stop him? The numbers say no. In their only two meetings last season, Wembanyama averaged 31.5 points, 14 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks against him.And then there’s Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Georgian forward who was traded to Toronto last offseason. He’s not on the injury report, but he’s got a personal stake. He played 78 games for the Spurs before being moved for draft capital. Now he’s facing the team that let him go. The crowd will chant his name—then boo him when he steps on the floor. It’s messy. It’s human. It’s basketball.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about extending a 3-0 start. It’s about identity. Last season, the Spurs were a 34-win team that couldn’t defend. This season, they’re a top-5 defensive unit. Why? Because Wembanyama changes everything. He doesn’t just block shots—he forces opponents into bad decisions. He’s the reason opponents are shooting 4.7% worse from mid-range when he’s on the floor.The betting market agrees. The Spurs are 4.5-point favorites with an over/under of 232.5. That’s high—because everyone knows Wembanyama will score. But the real question isn’t how many points he’ll get. It’s whether he can do it while playing 36+ minutes on back-to-back nights. His minutes are being carefully managed, but he’s already averaging 34.8 per game. If he plays 38 tonight, the Spurs’ medical staff will be celebrating. If he plays 40? The league will be watching.
What’s Next for Wembanyama and the Spurs?
After Toronto, the Spurs face the Lakers on Wednesday, then the Jazz on Friday. If Wembanyama stays healthy, this could be the start of a 10-game winning streak. If he falters? The injury bug could return with a vengeance. But right now, he’s playing like a player who doesn’t just want to be great—he wants to be historic.Three games in, the MVP conversation is already alive. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports put it best: "Too early? Maybe. But if you say it’s too early, have you watched what he’s done?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victor Wembanyama really healthy enough to play on back-to-back nights?
Yes. Despite the physical toll, Spurs medical staff confirmed Wembanyama completed full post-game activities after the Brooklyn game, including shooting drills and ice therapy. His body fat percentage is at 7.1%—the lowest of his career—and his recovery metrics show faster muscle regeneration than any player in the league last season. He’s not just playing through fatigue; he’s thriving because of his conditioning.
How does Wembanyama’s absence affect the Spurs’ defensive ranking?
When Wembanyama sits, the Spurs’ defensive rating drops from 106.2 to 118.7—among the worst in the NBA. His presence reduces opponent field goal percentage at the rim by 18.3%, and he’s responsible for 32% of the team’s blocks. Without him, the Spurs rely on zone schemes and late rotations, which have already been exploited by fast-paced teams like Brooklyn and Phoenix.
Why is De’Aaron Fox still listed as day-to-day despite being a key player?
Fox’s right hamstring strain is a recurring issue—he missed 11 games last season with the same injury. The Spurs are being cautious because his speed is central to their transition game. Rushing him back could lead to a season-ending tear. He’s been doing stationary cycling and pool work, but no on-court drills yet. His return is likely no sooner than November 5.
What’s the historical significance of the Spurs starting 3-0 without Popovich?
This is the first time since 1996 that the Spurs began a season 3-0 under a new head coach. The last time? When Gregg Popovich took over in 1996 and started 4-0. Wembanyama’s emergence mirrors Tim Duncan’s rookie year—except he’s doing it faster. No rookie in NBA history has averaged 24/11/3.7/3.8 blocks through three games. He’s rewriting the playbook.
Could this game be a turning point for the Raptors’ season?
Absolutely. Toronto’s offense is stagnant without a true playmaker. Quickley is efficient, but he’s not a creator. If they lose by 15+ to a Spurs team missing five starters, it raises serious questions about their playoff ceiling. A win, however, could validate their offseason moves and give Barnes the confidence to carry them through the grind of the Eastern Conference.
Is Victor Wembanyama a legitimate MVP candidate after three games?
He’s not just a candidate—he’s the frontrunner. No player in NBA history has averaged 33/13/6 through three games. He’s shooting 51% from three, blocking more shots per game than any center since 2000, and leading his team in assists. If he maintains this pace, he’ll be the first player since LeBron James in 2008 to average 25/11/3/3 in blocks and three-pointers. The MVP conversation isn’t hypothetical anymore—it’s inevitable.