In a significant development for the San Antonio Spurs, their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, has been cleared to play and is expected to take the court against the Boston Celtics on Friday, January 10, 2026. The team's latest injury report lists the star center as fully available, removing any previous doubts about his participation.
Wembanyama's Injury Status Officially Upgraded
The official NBA injury report released on the day of the game shows no restrictions for Victor Wembanyama. This marks a positive shift from earlier in the week when he was still tagged as questionable. The clearance comes after a brief absence caused by a left knee hyperextension suffered on New Year's Eve against the New York Knicks.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson provided an encouraging update, stating that Wembanyama moved exceptionally well during his rehabilitation sessions. The player showed no lingering issues after his initial return to game action, paving the way for his full reinstatement. Notably, there will be no minutes limit imposed on the young star for the crucial matchup against the Eastern Conference powerhouse.
Timeline of the Knee Injury and Recovery
The injury occurred on December 31, 2025, during a rebounding sequence. Wembanyama hyperextended his left knee and was forced to exit the game prematurely. While the incident caused immediate concern, subsequent medical evaluations, including an MRI, brought relief. The scans confirmed there was no structural or ligament damage, leading the medical staff to classify him as day-to-day.
Adopting a cautious approach, the Spurs management decided to sideline him for games against the Indiana Pacers and the Portland Trail Blazers. This decision was purely precautionary, aimed at preventing any long-term complications during a demanding stretch of the season.
Wembanyama made his comeback on January 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies, albeit with a controlled minutes restriction and a role off the bench. He silenced any doubters by delivering a spectacular 30-point performance, demonstrating fluid movement, confident jumping, and safe landing mechanics. Most importantly, he experienced no setbacks following that explosive return.
Impact on the Spurs-Celtics Showdown
Wembanyama's return could not be more timely for the struggling Spurs. The team has faced difficulties establishing a consistent rhythm in his absence. His presence on the floor fundamentally alters the dynamics for San Antonio on both ends of the court.
Defensively, the Spurs' rim protection suffers dramatically without him. Statistics indicate that opponents' field goal percentage near the basket increases by approximately 10% when Wembanyama is not patrolling the paint. His unique combination of length, timing, and instinct is irreplaceable.
The Boston Celtics, with their formidable frontcourt featuring Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis, are expected to test his knee early and often. They will likely attack the paint aggressively to force Wembanyama into challenging defensive situations. However, his elite size and regained mobility provide San Antonio with a fighting chance to withstand Boston's offensive onslaught and secure a much-needed victory at the Frost Bank Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT.
