Victor Wembanyama ruled out of Spurs-Kings game Thursday with sprained ankle

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks with Victor Wembanyama on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs have ruled rookie Victor Wembanyama out of their game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night because of a sprained right ankle.

Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks, right, defends against San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Wembanyama appeared to roll the ankle in the second quarter of San Antonio’s game at Houston on Tuesday. He was subbed out less than two minutes later, then returned to start the third quarter and played almost all of the second half.

It will be the seventh game missed by Wembanyama this season. He started 56 of the Spurs’ first 62 contests.

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (1) is fouled by Houston Rockets' Jock Landale (2) while reaching for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft and favorite to win rookie of the year honors this season, is averaging 20.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a league-leading 3.4 blocked shots per game.

No player has averaged at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a full season since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000 — and no rookie in NBA history has ended a season with such numbers.

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets' Fred VanVleet, left, and Jabari Smith Jr. defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Houston. The Rockets won 114-101. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)