Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Spurs, Nuggets Set to Begin Whirlwind Back-to-Back

The San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets will tip off a whirlwind back-to-back series this weekend, with the first game in Denver on Friday night and the second in San Antonio less than 24 hours later. Both teams are riding positive momentum after recent victories, setting the stage for an exciting clash.

San Antonio Spurs: A New Era with Wembanyana

The Spurs (21-17) enter the back-to-back with their best start in years, driven by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyana. The 20-year-old phenom has been a game-changer, leading the team with:

• 25.6 points per game
• 10.0 rebounds per game
• 3.9 blocks per game, the best mark in the NBA.

Wembanyana’s defensive presence and offensive versatility have anchored a team that boasts seven players averaging double-digit scoring.

Balanced Scoring Attack

• Devin Vassell (15.3 PPG), Jeremy Sochan (13.9), Keldon Johnson (12.1), and Julian Champagnie (12.1) complement Wembanyana’s dominance.
• Sochan will miss Friday’s game due to low back tightness, a blow to the Spurs’ depth and versatility.

Wembanyana emphasized the Spurs’ team-oriented mentality, saying, “We care here about the record, the win or the loss. It is the only stat that matters.”

Denver Nuggets: Jokic’s MVP-Level Dominance

The Nuggets (24-10) are riding a three-game winning streak, thanks largely to their offense. Denver has averaged 135 points in recent wins over Detroit, Utah, and Atlanta.

Nikola Jokic’s Triple-Double Machine

The three-time MVP is once again a frontrunner for the award, averaging:

• 30.7 points per game
• 13.0 rebounds per game
• 9.7 assists per game, second in the NBA.

Jokic’s 14 triple-doubles this season include a monster 23-point, 17-rebound, 15-assist outing in the win over Atlanta.

Supporting Cast Contributions

• Jamal Murray (19.8 PPG) and Michael Porter Jr. (18.8 PPG) provide consistent scoring threats.
• Russell Westbrook, filling in for Aaron Gordon (calf strain), has delivered with a triple-double and double-double in the last two games.

Key Matchups to Watch

Victor Wembanyana vs. Nikola Jokic

This marquee matchup features the league’s top rookie against its reigning MVP. Wembanyana’s shot-blocking will be tested by Jokic’s elite passing and scoring touch.

Bench Depth and Role Players

With both teams missing key contributors (Sochan for the Spurs and Gordon for the Nuggets), the bench units will play a significant role in determining the outcome.

Transition Defense

Denver tightened its defense in the second half against Atlanta, holding the Hawks to 49 points after giving up 71 in the first half. San Antonio’s ability to push the pace with its athletic lineup could be a deciding factor.

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Predictions and Outlook

This back-to-back series offers a chance for both teams to measure their progress. The Spurs are eager to test their young core against a championship-caliber squad, while the Nuggets will aim to maintain their offensive rhythm and tighten up defensively.

Friday Prediction: Nuggets 125, Spurs 115
Saturday Prediction: Spurs 120, Nuggets 118