By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
French superstar Victor Wembanyama enters his fourth NBA season as the Most Valuable Player betting favorite. His San Antonio Spurs open the 2026–27 Regular Season on Tuesday by hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Frost Bank Center. Reflecting on the physical toll of deep postseason runs, following the NBA Finals 2026 appearance, he praised the league’s top talents.
“I wonder how these guys do it for 10, 15 years. I guess you build up the kind of resistance that’s needed for that over the years with maturity,” the 22-year-old center said, expressing his awe. “I see it almost every day with guys like Shai, Giannis, Jokic, these guys.”
Wemby also shared a lighter moment from a weekend team trip to Six Flags, where his height ironically became an issue. “I can’t do it safely, so I’d rather not do it,” he joked. “I didn’t pass the height requirement.” Looking ahead to the grueling calendar, he confirmed his team is energized. “Last season just ended,” he noted, maintaining his humorous approach before completing his answer in a more serious tone. “We’ve had the time to settle down and retrain and get excited again for this. So, we’re ready.”
Bona questionable, Porzingis out
Beyond France’s premier talent, several European players shape the opening-night medical reports. The visiting Thunder will lack Serbian Nikola Topic due to low back surgery. With the New York Knicks raising their championship banner, the Philadelphia 76ers travel to face them without German Ariel Hukporti, who tore his right Achilles tendon. The Sixers also listed Turkish Adem Bona as questionable with a left foot sprain.
The Spurs will play without Tobias Harris due to a left calf strain, while teammate Jayden Quaintance recovers from knee surgery. The Thunder are also missing Otega Oweh and Thomas Sorber for surgical rehabilitation as well. For Philadelphia, Dominick Barlow is out for at least two weeks with a back issue, while Tacko Fall is out with a groin strain. Furthermore, the 76ers also consider Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade as questionable, while the Boston Celtics ruled out Devin Carter due to illness for the clash with the Detroit Pistons in Little Caesars Arena.
In a health update regarding Wednesday’s openers, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expects Stephen Curry to play against the Los Angeles Lakers. The star guard cleared a major hurdle by participating in a full practice on Monday ahead of the matchup at crypto.com Arena. However, Latvian Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined.
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google