San Antonio Spurs vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 12/04/2024, 05:45  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 12/04/2024 at 06:48 in NBA Predictions

The San Antonio Spurs will play host to the Denver Nuggets at the AT&T Center in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 20-60 and bottom of the Western Conference while the visitor are 56-24 and top of the Conference standings. 

The Denver Nuggets asserted their dominance on Wednesday, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 in Denver to claim sole possession of first place in the Western Conference. As they prepare to defend their NBA title in the upcoming playoffs, Nikola Jokic showcased his brilliance with a stellar performance, scoring 41 points alongside 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 20 points. Despite ranking 14th in scoring, the Nuggets closely trail their opponents, averaging just 4.2 fewer points per game (114.7) than the Spurs allow (118.9). Defensively, Denver ranks sixth overall in points allowed, conceding an average of 109.4 points per game, a strength bolstered by their defense at the three-point line, where they rank second in limiting three-point attempts per game. With a fully fit squad, the Nuggets are overwhelming favorites for their next matchup.

The Spurs have nothing at stake in their remaining games except for pride as they aim to conclude their last two home games of the season on a positive note for their fans. Having suffered three losses in their last five games, including a significant 127-89 defeat to the Thunder on Wednesday night, the Spurs find themselves depleted, with Zach Collins leading the undermanned team with 20 points and 7 rebounds in the loss. Wembanyama and the team's second, third, and fourth leading scorers were all sidelined due to injuries. Ranked 23rd in scoring in the NBA with 111.9 points per game, the Spurs face a defensive challenge against the Denver squad, which ranks sixth in the league, allowing 109.4 points per game. Defensively, the Spurs rank 25th overall, conceding an average of 118.9 points per game. The Spurs could be missing seven players for this one.