Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) - San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama was ruled out of the Spurs’ NBA game against the Clippers in Los Angeles hours before tipoff on Thursday.

The Spurs said on their afternoon injury report that the 22-year-old Frenchman would be sidelined to “manage” a right ankle issue, with no suggestion of a long-term absence.

Wembanyama, who was named Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for March earlier on Thursday, scored 41 points in the Spurs’ 127-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

The move gives Wembanyama a brief respite with the playoffs looming. The Spurs are in the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

But the Most Valuable Player candidate and favorite for Defensive Player of the Year honors must play at least three of San Antonio’s five remaining regular-season games after Thursday to be eligible for awards consideration.