Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets – Game #34
Chris Paul and the Spurs face a tough road game in Denver (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs (17-16) face a stiff challenge to begin the month of January. Tonight, the Spurs play in Denver against the Nuggets and then both teams fly to San Antonio and play each other again tomorrow night. Considering that the Nuggets have a record of 19-13, the Spurs are likely to be the underdogs in both contests.
San Antonio is coming off of one of their best wins of the season. On New Year’s Eve, the Spurs dominated the Los Angeles Clippers. The Silver and Black won all four quarters of the game and won by a final score of 122-86. Victor Wembanyama controlled the interior on his way to 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks in only 26 minutes of action.
The Nuggets have played some of their best basketball of their season recently. Denver has won three straight games and has scored at least 132 points in four consecutive games.
Nikola Jokic is having arguably his best season yet. The 29-year-old is averaging 30.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 9.7 assists, while shooting 56.1% from the floor, 49.2% from three-point range and 80.1% at the free throw line.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Sadly, the Spurs are no longer-injury free. Jeremy Sochan suffered a lower back injury against the Clippers and he is listed as out for tonight. It’s unknown how long Sochan will be sidelined. Earlier in the season, the forward missed time due to a broken bone in his thumb.
Denver Nuggets Injury Update
The Nuggets are also dealing with an injury to their starting power forward. Aaron Gordon has been out since Christmas due to a calf injury. With Gordon out, Denver has been starting a smaller lineup that features Russell Westbrook at one of the guard spots.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
With Sochan not available, the Spurs are likely to start Wembanyama at center, Harrison Barnes at power forward, Devin Vassell at small forward, Stephon Castle at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Nuggets
The Nuggets are favored by 6.5 points and the over/under is 238 points. Considering that the Nuggets have scored at least 132 points in four straight games, the smart money is on the over. Both teams are rested and should be able to light up the scoreboard. Also, San Antonio’s defense will take a hit without the services of Sochan.