Wemby Ejection
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Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court for the national anthem before their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 01, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
The San Antonio Spurs finished out Game 4 without Victor Wembanyama, but now the question is whether the team could be without their star center even longer. Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter after connecting with an elbow to Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid.
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.”
Below is a replay of the incident which lead to a Wembanyama’s immediate ejection.
Here’s what you need to know about Wemby’s status for the Spurs-Wolves series.
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 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.”