The Spurs survived and in some ways improved despite big absences. Now they could level up as they get to full strength.

The San Antonio Spurs have undoubtedly been one of the best stories of the NBA season so far. After Victor Wembanyama went down with a calf injury, it was unclear if they could stay afloat in a grueling Western Conference. However, they have maintained a top-five spot in the West and have a 8-3 recordwithoutWemby.

Despite returning to practice, superstar center Victor Wembanyama will miss the Spurs' NBA Cup showdown against the Lakers.

Western Conference teams that are missing their biggest star meet in the nightcap on Monday when the San Antonio Spurs travel to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spurs are 15-7 overall, while the Pelicans are 3-21 and have dropped six straight.

The 21-year-old Frenchman led the Spurs to an 8-4 record before the injury, kicking off the season with a 33-point road plastering of Dallas in which he dominated to the tune of 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in his first game since a blood clot in his right shoulder diagnosed in mid-February ended his second NBA season two months early.

Victor Wembanyama has missed the last 11 games for the Spurs with a calf injury, and a new injury update on his status for the NBA Cup.

The 19-1 Thunder are currently the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Cup (-125 at FanDuel ). The Bucks won the competition last year, and the Lakers won the initial version in 2023.

Check out the Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs' quarterfinal game prediction, probable starting lineups, and injury reports for Dec 10