Regardless of dropping their final eleven video games, there’s room for optimism amongst Spurs followers. Within the final two video games, the San Antonio Spurs have fought onerous to remain in video games in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. After a players-only assembly, it looks as if the Silver and Black are beginning to determine a couple of issues out. They may have their work minimize out for them with the defending champions on Sunday evening.
The Denver Nuggets are with out their premier scoring guard Jamal Murray, however nonetheless boast the most effective beginning lineups within the league. The 2-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, is a strolling triple-double who’s flanked by positionless wings that may dribble, move, shoot and defend. Regardless of dropping 4 of their final 5 video games, the Nuggets pose a tough problem for the struggling Spurs.
November 26, 2023 | 7 P.M. CT
Watch: Bally | Hear: WOAI/KXTN
Spurs accidents: Dominick Barlow – Out (G League,) Charles Bediako – Out (G League,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League,) Sir’Jabari Rice – Out (G League,) Blake Wesley – Out (G League)
Nuggets accidents: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Possible (proper ankle,) Vlatko Cancar – Out (left knee,) Aaron Gordon – Possible (proper heel,) Reggie Jackson – In all probability (low again,) Nikola Jokic – In all probability (low again,) Jamal Murray – Out (proper hamstring)
What to observe for
Successful the bench minutes
It’s no secret that Denver’s starters are amongst the very best within the NBA. Their bench alternatively, has struggled. The Nuggets are twenty seventh within the NBA in bench scoring. After transferring Reggie Jackson into the beginning lineup to switch Murray, they’re severely missing offensive creation off the bench.
The Spurs nevertheless tout an honest bench lineup. They’re twelfth within the league in bench scoring. Tre Jones is a formidable sixth-man that many may argue ought to be beginning. Cedi Osman has been important to the Spurs greatest lineups, and Malaki Branham and Doug McDermott present some offensive firepower within the second unit. The Spurs might want to capitalize on the minutes wherein Jokic isn’t on the ground, and make the most of the Nuggets bench weak spot.
Slowing down Jokic
The Nuggets massive man is considered one of, if not the very best participant within the league. This season he’s averaging 28.2 factors, 13.5 rebounds and eight.9 assists. The Spurs should discover a technique to sluggish him down, as a result of not many within the league can cease him. Zach Collins, whereas simply abused in deep drop choose and roll protection, is a bodily and good put up defender. He’ll probably be tasked with guarding Jokic. The Spurs will want him to carry his personal on the block in opposition to the former-MVP.
The Spurs have been middle-of-the-pack in turning opponents over. They pressured the Warriors to cough it up 24 occasions on Friday evening. The Nuggets don’t common many turnovers, however having Victor Wembanyama and different instinctual assist defenders may assist minimize off a few of Jokic’s passing lanes. Replicating Friday’s efficiency would go an extended methods towards disrupting Jokic’s recreation.
Can Wembanyama keep scorching?
This ought to be an attention-grabbing recreation for the Spurs rookie. It’s his first time enjoying within the high-altitude of Denver, so his conditioning might be paramount. He’s coming off two straight video games the place he 20+ factors. Can he preserve it going in opposition to the defending champs?
The Nuggets are notably properly outfitted to protect Wemby. Aaron Gordon has the pace, energy and athleticism to match up with Wembanyama in and out. Jokic provides the Nuggets one other bodily reply inside. Michael Porter Jr., whereas not referred to as a terrific defender, is a rangy wing who may match up with Wembanyama’s dimension and agility. It’s actually a check, however one you’d wish to see the rookie rise to the event for.
