The San Antonio Spurs finished out Game 4 without Victor Wembanyama, but now the question is whether the team could be missing their star center even longer. Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter after connecting with an elbow to Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid’s neck.
The Spurs center was ejected following a review of the elbow, and Wembanyama’s status for Game 5 is now in doubt. Following ejections, the NBA reviews each incident to determine if a suspension is warranted.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is pushing the NBA to allow Wembanyama to play in Game 5. The analyst had no problem with the ejection but believes the NBA’s punishment should end following Game 4.
“Damn! @wemby’s ejection — unfortunately — was very warranted,” Smith explained in a May 10, 2026, post on X. “Can’t swing your elbow like that. Very intentional. No debate.
“But I’m praying he doesn’t (get) SUSPENDED for (Game 5), which is very possible. We shouldn’t want decisions like that deciding a series. But we shall see.”
Fans on Reddit are already chiming in with their opinions regarding a possible Wembanyama suspension. The early results are mixed with some wondering if the star’s superstar status will impact the NBA’s decision.
Below is a replay of the incident which lead to Wembanyama’s immediate ejection.
Here’s what you need to know about Wemby’s status for the Spurs-Wolves series.
The NBA Is Expected to Make a Punishment Decision Soon on Wemby’s Playing Status for Game 5
Fans can expect a decision sooner rather than later given the Spurs take on the Timberwolves in Game 5 on Tuesday, May 12. It would be a surprise if Wembanyama was suspended given he has no history of similar violations, but the punishment is not outside the realm of possibilities.
“We’ve got a series,” ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill reacted in a May 10, message on X. “Can’t wait for Game 5, and presumably, what Victor has in store assuming he’s available.”
The Timberwolves Tied the Series 2-2 vs. Spurs After Wemby’s Ejection
Wolves star Anthony Edwards admitted that the game was still challenging without Wembanyama on the court. Chances are the Timberwolves are preparing to face Wembanyama in Game 5.
“Anthony Edwards said it became ‘harder on us’ without Victor Wembanyama on the floor because pace quickened and rest of team played loose,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater detailed on X. “But rim was far more open to Timberwolves late.”
Victor Wembanyama Is Facing a Possible Suspension for Game 5 of Timberwolves-Spurs
Fans are awaiting the NBA’s decision which is expected to come as soon as Monday, May 11. Time will tell how the league office will respond.
“The league will review the Wembanyama play tomorrow,” San Antonio Express News’ Jeff McDonald remarked in a May 10, message on X. “The question now is whether he will be available for Game 5.”
The Spurs host the Wolves for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 12, at 8 p.m. Eastern. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals to face the winner of what looks to be a lengthy Wolves-Spurs series.
“The Thunder are winners tonight,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor noted. “Spurs-Wolves is going at least six. The soonest it can end is Friday the 15th. Game 7 would be Sunday. WCF begins the 18th or 20th.
“If OKC sweeps Monday, they’ll have one full week of rest and Jalen Williams will have had one month to recover.”
Stephen A. Smith Sends Clear Message on NBA’s Punishment for Victor Wembanyama