The San Antonio Spurs have received a massive boost heading into the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Their talismanic center, Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined with injury, is likely to return to court in the top-four game against the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, as per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Wembanyama has been out with a calf strain since November 14, and though Mike Johnson’s men were still winning games without the big man, they will need everything in their power to pull off a result against the Shai-Gilgeous Alexander-led OKC, who are leading the NBA standings with a sensational 24-1 record.

The French Phenom will only be available after Friday’s practice, but there’s hope in the Spurs camp that their former Rookie of the Year could be ready for this knockout clash.

“The timing has worked out perfectly for the Spurs for Victor Wembanyama to make his return,” Shams revealed on NBA Today.

“This marks the end of Spurs’ cautious process ever since he sustained a calf strain a month ago. He actually wanted to play on Wednesday in the cup game against the Lakers, but the Spurs held him out. They wanted him to get a couple of days more ramp-up time, rehab work. He has checked all the boxes, from my understanding, and passed all the tests. He has gone through multiple rounds of 5-on-5 sessions as he makes his return to action on Saturday.”

The San Antonio Spurs had a tough matchup in the quarterfinals against the Lakers, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James both getting clearances to start the crucial game. However, Stephon Castle and company came out on top with a morale-boosting 132-119 win.

While Castle led the team with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, there were seven other players with double-digit scores, proving the variety and quality available at the Spurs’ disposal.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson remains tight-lipped about Wemby’s return. “Very much so,” Johnson replied when asked about Wembanyama’s availability on Saturday as per NBA Insider Mark Medina. “He (Wembanyama) had a very good day today. He had a very intense day this morning. We’ll have to see how he responds and reacts tomorrow.”

Why the Spurs can fight for the title with a healthy Victor Wembanyama?

While Wembanyama is an extremely crucial two-way player for the San Antonio Spurs with his verticality, shot-stopping, and mobility in offensive plays, San Antonio has proven that they are not entirely dependent on the Frenchman.

Coach Johnson has a roster full of young, talented players who can hold their own against any opposition in the NBA. Therefore, they have a solid 9-3 record without Wembanyama this season.

However, with the French gunning in all cylinders, they certainly propel themselves as a unit that has every ingredient needed to fight for the NBA title this season.

Wemby, with his unique physical stature, adds value on all fronts for this already talented Spurs outfit. Wemby brings superstar value and great athleticism.

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Even without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have quietly showcased real depth and functionality. They already feature a capable primary ball-handler in Stephon Castle, who has shown poise, downhill pressure, and decision-making well beyond his years in Wemby’s absence.

Alongside him, Dylan Harper has emerged as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, combining physicality, self-created offense, and strong rim finishing.

The roster balance is further reinforced by experienced NBA contributors such as De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Luke Kornet, each bringing a distinct skill set —from Fox’s pace and shot creation to Barnes’ positional versatility and Johnson’s scoring punch.

Collectively, this is a versatile, athletic Spurs group that can stretch the floor, defend across positions, and sustain pressure through multiple lineup combinations.

The numbers back it up: Wembanyama and Fox are both averaging over 20 points per game, while Castle isn’t far behind at 18.2 PPG. Even rotation pieces are producing— Harper (13.4 PPG) and Keldon Johnson (13.1 PPG) provide consistent secondary scoring.

Players like Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Barnes further bolster San Antonio’s depth, offering two-way reliability and lineup flexibility.

That kind of balance speaks volumes about the Spurs’ internal development and roster construction and strengthens the argument that they deserve to be viewed as legitimate contenders, not just a rebuilding curiosity.

With Wembanyama back in the lineup, head coach Johnson will understandably feel even more confident. Coming off a statement win over the Lakers, the Spurs are riding real momentum, and they’re well-equipped to carry that confidence into a high-level test against Oklahoma City.