Coming off the ugliest lack of the season, the San Antonio Spurs will head residence to host the Denver Nuggets. The visiting staff is enjoying for the primary seed within the Western Convention, making an attempt to carry off the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves who’re a recreation again from first. San Antonio finds itself competing for ping pong balls, as they’re one of many backside three groups within the NBA vying for one of the best odds on the primary choose.
All the Nuggets beginning 5 is on the damage report as “possible.” It’s seemingly they’ll play as they appear to realize floor on their opponents on the high of the convention. Notably lacking from the damage report is Spurs rookie, Victor Wembanyama, who sat out their final recreation with an ankle damage. It appeared like San Antonio would possibly shut him down for the season, however by all accounts he’ll go well with up on Friday.
It was a enjoyable recreation the final time Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic confronted off. Wemby had 23 factors, 15 rebounds 8 assists and 9 blocks, whereas Jokic had 42 and 16 within the 110-105 Denver win. The Spurs are winless towards the Nuggets this season. They’ll look to play spoiler and safe their first win towards the defending champs this yr.
San Antonio Spurs (20-60) vs. Denver Nuggets (56-24)
April 12, 2024 | 7 PM CT
Watch: Bally | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (left knee,) Dominick Barlow – Out (left knee,) Keldon Johnson – Out (left foot,) Cedi Osman – Out (proper ankle,) Jeremy Sochan – Out (left ankle,) Devin Vassell – Out (proper foot)
Nuggets Accidents: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Possible (proper shoulder,) Vlatko Cancar – Out (left knee,) Aaron Gordon – Possible (proper foot,) Nikola Jokic – Possible (left hip,) Jamal Murray – Possible (proper knee,) Zeke Nnaji – Possible (proper adductor,) Michael Porter Jr. – Possible (left quad)
What to look at for
Wembanyama vs. Jokic
This would be the matchup everyone seems to be on the lookout for. Two of Europes greatest large males clashing. Their final matchup was must-watch basketball. Wembanyama bought Jokic on a block, however Jokic feasted all around the ground. Wembanyama actually appears to step up for these matchups agaisnt large names. With solely two video games left within the season, I’m certain we’ll see a motivated Wembanyama on Friday evening.
Sidy Cissoko’s minutes
The opposite Spurs rookie, Sidy Cissoko, has gotten some run with the roster left depleted by accidents. He’s regarded strong in his final two appearances, scoring over 10 factors in each contests. Cissoko has proven some nice chopping instincts to go together with his strong body and explosive athleticism. He’s a gradual defender and has regarded pretty comfy with the ball in his arms. Friday will give Cissoko one other likelihood to earn the teaching employees’s belief.
Eyes on the two-way gamers
Outdoors of Cissoko, the Spurs even have three two-way gamers who will seemingly see the ground on Friday. David Duke Jr., Jamaree Bouyea and RaiQuan Grey all performed main minutes within the Spurs loss to the Thunder. Grey stood out among the many relaxation, hitting three triples to go together with some bruising inside. Bouyea is named a dynamite G League scorer, regardless of being a smaller guard. It will be enjoyable to see the younger guard get some run towards Denver.
