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 games, analyst Zach Lowe highlighted how experts might have underrated Wemby and the Spurs.
On his podcast this Monday, Lowe spoke with fellow analyst Kirk Goldsberry about the Wembanyama-led team. He said, “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.”
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Like most analysts before the season started, Lowe had predicted the OKC Thunder and the Denver Nuggets would battle for the top seed in the West. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers were favorites to earn an outright playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs were expected to slug it out for play-in tournament spots.
The projection around the Spurs, however, has improved significantly following Victor Wembanyama’s blistering start to the season. San Antonio is off to a perfect 4-0 slate, powered by the French phenom’s stunning play. Wembanyama is currently 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 Wemby effectively covers many of the Spurs’ loopholes, elevating the entire team.
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### Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Sit Atop the Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten after a commanding 121-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Victor Wembanyama contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, pushing the Spurs to their fourth straight win.
San Antonio now sits atop the Western Conference with a 4-0 record. The OKC Thunder, locked in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks, hold 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.
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One of the most surprising developments this early in the season has been the Houston Rockets’ initial struggles despite boasting a jumbo roster. The Rockets own a 1-2 record, which is the second-worst in the Western Conference right now.
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The season is still in its infancy, so a lot can change. However, based on their current form and the standout play from Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs look ready to challenge for at least a guaranteed spot in the 2026 playoffs. Fans and analysts alike should be keeping a close eye on this revitalized team as the season unfolds.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-absolutely-crapping-pants-zach-lowe-sees-warriors-lakers-growing-uneasy-amid-victor-wembanyama-s-spurs-steep-ascension