Most NBA insiders projected Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to win around 42-44 games this season. In the unforgiving Western Conference, that meant fighting for a play-in tournament spot. However, just a week into the season, analyst Zach Lowe highlighted how experts might have underrated Wemby and the Spurs.
On his podcast this Monday, Lowe shared his thoughts with fellow analyst Kirk Goldsberry about the Wembanyama-led team:
“Every other team, from Golden State down to the Lakers, Grizzlies, has got to be absolutely crapping their pants because the Spurs are coming for a top 6 seed, at least a fight for it. And the argument for that, as it was before the season, is that this dude is so goddamn good.”
Like most analysts before the season started, Lowe predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets to battle for the top seed in the West. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers were favored to earn outright playoff spots. Meanwhile, the Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs were expected to slug it out for play-in tournament spots.
The projection around the Spurs improved significantly following Victor Wembanyama’s blistering start to the season. San Antonio is off to a perfect 4-0 start, powered by the French phenom’s stunning play. Wembanyama is averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.0 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. According to Lowe, the 7-foot-5 center has been so “goddamn good” that he effectively covers many of the Spurs’ weaknesses.
### Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Sit Atop the Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten on Monday after dominating the Toronto Raptors 121-103. Victor Wembanyama posted 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists to push the Spurs to their fourth straight win. San Antonio now sits atop the Western Conference standings with a perfect 4-0 record.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, engaged in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks, are in second place with a 3-0 mark. As of press time, the Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and LA Clippers round out the top six, all holding identical 2-1 records.
The most surprising development has been the Houston Rockets’ early struggles with their jumbo roster, owning a 1-2 record — the second-worst in the conference.
While the season is still early and much can change, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs look poised to challenge for at least a guaranteed spot in the 2026 playoffs. Their hot start has already shaken up the expectations around the Western Conference and caught the attention of NBA analysts and fans alike.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-absolutely-crapping-pants-zach-lowe-sees-warriors-lakers-growing-uneasy-amid-victor-wembanyama-s-spurs-steep-ascension