The San Antonio Spurs have missed star big man Victor Wembanyama due to a calf strain. The center has been out of the lineup since Nov. 14. Fortunately for the Spurs, they received a positive update ahead of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the OKC Thunder on Saturday. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Friday that Wembanyama could play against the Thunder. According to Charania, the final clearance for him to play will come after their team practice on Friday. The Spurs star has missed 12 straight games. "San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama is likely to return for Saturday's NBA Cup semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, sources tell ESPN. Final clearance will come after today's practice for Wembanyama, who's been sidelined since Nov. 14 due to a calf strain," Charania reported. San Antonio has remained competitive without their best player. The team is 17-7 this season and has advanced to the semifinal round to face the Thunder. While Wembanyama was absent, the Spurs had a 9-3 record. Victor Wembanyama has appeared in 12 games, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocks. He has led the Spurs to a strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season. With his strong play, the team is looking like a playoff team early in the campaign.Since his injury, center Luke Kornet has taken over the starting spot. Kornet has started 11 out of the 12 games, averaging 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He also anchored the team's interior defense with his 1.8 blocks.Fans react to Victor Wembanyama's looming return ahead of the NBA Cup game against the ThunderSince the start of Victor Wembanyama's career, he's often been compared to Thunder center Chet Holmgren. Both big men are over seven feet tall and have identical skills. With news of his return, fans couldn't help but get excited about the possibility of him facing OKC in an NBA Cup setting. Here are some of what the fans said. "Wemby is coming back to hand the thunder their second L of the season," a fan said. "OKC win streaking coming to an end," another fan commented. "Wemby returning?? Thunder players about to feel like they’re shooting over a skyscraper again. 🏀" one fan said. Other fans are more excited about how Wembanyama will play against Holmgren. "wemby anytime he sees that he has the opportunity to embarrass chet," someone commented."I got two words for you: Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, must see TV," a comment read. "Can’t miss his Game 7 against Chet I see😭😭✌️" one fan commented. Fans are looking forward to the growing rivalry between the two centers.