Image Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama Injury Opens Door For Chet Holmgren To Seize Defensive Player Of The Year Race

Image Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The San Antonio Spurs’ season began with excitement as rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama quickly proved himself a dominant force. His impact on both ends of the court helped the Spurs exceed early expectations, with fans witnessing his offensive creativity and defensive presence shaping the team’s identity.

That momentum has now been interrupted. A calf injury will keep Wembanyama out for at least two weeks before doctors re-evaluate his status. The setback forces the Spurs to lean on All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox to carry the load in his absence. Beyond the team’s immediate challenge, the injury also alters the award landscape for the young center.

Victor Wembanyama entered the season as the clear favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. His ability to protect the rim and disrupt offenses made him the frontrunner from the offseason through the first month of play.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has a left calf strain and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bqxDL9y6up
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2025

However, the NBA’s rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to qualify for awards now looms large. Missing 17 or more contests would eliminate him from consideration, and the injury has already shifted betting odds.

Shifting Odds in Defensive Player of the Year Race

Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder has overtaken Wembanyama as the new favorite. Oddsmakers moved Holmgren to +135, while Victor Wembanyama dropped to +350. Holmgren’s rise comes as he anchors Oklahoma City’s defense, especially with All-Star Jalen Williams sidelined.

His importance to the Thunder’s success has made him a strong candidate, even as many observers still view Wembanyama as the superior defender.

Other names remain in the mix, though further behind. Evan Mobley sits at +500, while Amen Thompson follows at +850. Still, the race appears centered on Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, with the latter’s health determining whether he can reclaim the lead.

The timetable projects Victor Wembanyama missing seven to ten games. Should he miss the higher end of that range, his margin for error shrinks considerably. He would only be able to miss another seven games the rest of the season to remain eligible.

Holmgren, meanwhile, has already missed four games, leaving him with a cushion of thirteen before crossing the threshold. The uncertainty grows with Wembanyama’s re-evaluation. Extended recovery or restrictions on back-to-back appearances could further limit his availability.

League scheduling has drawn criticism from veterans like Mike Conley and coaches such as Steve Kerr, who argue that too many consecutive games strain players. The Spurs face a demanding stretch later in the winter, adding pressure to Wembanyama’s bid to reach the 65-game minimum.