The San Antonio Spurs, fresh off their worst loss of the year, will welcome the Denver Nuggets at home. 

The visiting club is trying to hold off the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves, who are one game behind them in the Western Conference rankings, in order to secure the top spot. One of the lowest three NBA clubs fighting for the greatest odds at the first pick, San Antonio finds itself in a ping pong ball competition.

The Nuggets starting five as a whole are listed as “probable” on the injury report. They’ll probably play in an attempt to close the gap on their conference-leading rivals. 

Victor Wembanyama, a rookie for the Spurs who missed their most recent game due to an ankle ailment, is noticeably absent from the injury report. Although it appeared as though San Antonio could bench him for the entire season, he is expected to play on Friday.

The last time Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic faced off, it was an entertaining game. Jokic scored 42 points and 16 rebounds, while Wemby added 23 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, and 9 blocks in Denver’s 110-105 victory. This season, the Spurs have not defeated the Nuggets. They’ll try to take the lead and win their first game this year against the reigning champions.

Denver Nuggets (56-24) vs. San Antonio Spurs (20-60)

12 April 2024 | 7:00 PM CT

View: Bally | Hear: WOAI at 1200 hours

Spurs Injury Reports: Out is Charles Bassey (left knee,) Dominick Barlow (left knee) and Keldon Johnson (left foot) are out. Osman Cedi – Gone (right ankle,) Devin Vassell-Out (right foot) and Jeremy Sochan-Out (left ankle)

Denver Nuggets injury: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a probable injury for the Nuggets (right shoulder). Out is Vlatko Cancar (left knee). Aaron Gordon: Most likely the right foot Nikola Jokic: Likely (hip on the left) Probably Jamal Murray’s right knee Probable Zeke Nnaji (right adductor,) Michael Porter Jr.: Likely (quadrant left)

Observations of Wembanyama vs. Jokic

This will be the match that fans have been waiting for. A match between two of Europe’s top big men. Their most recent game was outstanding basketball. Jokic feasted all over the floor, even though Wembanyama managed to get him on a block.

When Wembanyama plays against well-known players, he really seems to step up. There are just two games remaining in the season, so I have no doubt that Wembanyama will be fired up on Friday.

Minutes of Sidy Cissoko for

Due to injuries that have left the Spurs squad very thin, Sidy Cissoko, the other rookie, has seen some action. In his last two games, he scored more than ten points and looked strong. 

Cissoko’s powerful build and quickness go hand in hand with excellent cutting instincts. He is a dependable defender who has shown that he is at ease with the ball. Cissoko will have another opportunity to gain the confidence of the coaching staff on Friday.

Focus on the two-way participants

The Spurs have three two-way players who are expected to participate on Friday in addition to Cissoko. RaiQuan Gray, Jamaree Bouyea, and David Duke Jr. all contributed significantly to the Spurs’ defeat by the Thunder. 

Gray distinguished himself from the others by making three triples and receiving some internal injuries. Despite being a smaller guard, Bouyea is regarded as a devastating G League scorer. Seeing the young guard get some reps against Denver would be entertaining.