Devin Vassell hopes to stay hot (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs face one of their biggest challenges of the season tonight when they play the Nuggets in Denver. With a record of 12-5, the Spurs currently sit in the fifth spot in the Western Conference. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are tied for the second seed in the West with a record of 13-4.
San Antonio is coming off of an impressive win over the Portland Trail Blazers. De’Aaron Fox led the way with 37 points but a number of his teammates played really well (See the Final Grades).
The Nuggets began the season at 3-2 but they’ve now won 10 of their last 12 contests. Nikola Jokic is having another fantastic season. The native of Serbia is averaging 29.8 points, 12.8 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game, while shooting 62.6% from the field, 43.4% from three-point range and 85.3% at the free throw line.
This is the first of four matchups between the Spurs and Nuggets this season. The two teams will play each other once in March and twice in April.
Spurs at Nuggets: NBA Cup Considerations
Tonight’s matchup is very important with the NBA Cup in mind. In fact, it’s extremely easy to understand. The winner of this game between the Spurs and Nuggets will win Group C in the Western Conference, while the loser will be eliminated from NBA Cup competition.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Dylan Harper returned to action against the Blazers and he isn’t on the injury report in this game in Denver. Unfortunately, three players remain sidelined: Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin.
Wembanyama is dealing with a calf injury, Castle has a hip injury and McLaughlin suffered a pulled hamstring.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Coming off of a win, expect head coach Mitch Johnson to go with De’Aaron Fox at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Harrison Barnes at power forward and Luke Kornet at center.
Off the bench, the main pieces for the coaching staff will be Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Dylan Harper.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Nuggets
The Nuggets are favored by 7.5 points and the over/under is 238.5 points. The Spurs are playing well enough that they should be able to keep things close against the Nuggets, so the smart money is on San Antonio this evening.