The Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs are set to go head-to-head again on January 4, 2025, after facing off just the night before. The Nuggets, currently holding fifth place in the Western Conference with a 19-14 record, are traveling to San Antonio to battle the eighth-place Spurs, who stand at 18-16. The action is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST at the Frost Bank Center and will be broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
Last night, the Nuggets suffered a narrow defeat against the Spurs, falling 113-110. Denver's star, Nikola Jokic, put up an incredible 41 points, alongside 18 rebounds and nine assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to outmatch the Spurs, who relied on the dynamic play of Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs’ rising star finished with 35 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, proving instrumental to the Spurs' victory and showcasing his potential as he vies for the Rookie of the Year.
So, what can fans expect when these teams clash for the second time within 24 hours? According to reports, the Nuggets are slight 3-point favorites over the Spurs, with the over/under set at 236.5 total points. With Jokic and Wembanyama both turning heads with their performances, this rematch promises to be another exciting installment.
Historically, the Nuggets have had the upper hand, winning six of their last eight matchups against San Antonio before last night's game. Nevertheless, the Spurs have shown significant improvement this season, especially with Wembanyama anchoring their squad. With San Antonio placing fourth in the Western Conference for rebounding, averaging 45.4 boards per game, the Nuggets will have to step up their effort to compete. They stand at 12-10 against Western Conference opponents this season, averaging 13.8 turnovers per game. They’ve performed well when minimizing turnovers, going 7-5 when they can turn the ball over less than their opponents.
The numbers reflect differing strategies both teams are employing this season. The Spurs are shooting 45.7% from the field, slightly below the 46.9% allowed by the Nuggets, who have struggled defensively, ranking 20th overall. On the offensive end, the Nuggets are averaging 125.3 points per game, boasting efficient shooting with Jokic leading the charge. His ability to score seamlessly against the Spurs could be pivotal once again.
Spurs guard Chris Paul is another player to watch, as he has stepped up significantly. Averaging 9.4 points and 8.4 assists per game, Paul has proven effective at orchestrate plays for Wembanyama. His experience and court vision will be key tonight, as he seeks to connect with Wembanyama again, leveraging his developing chemistry with the young star.
Regarding injuries, both teams are slightly battered. For the Spurs, Jeremy Sochan is classified as day-to-day with back issues, and for the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon is also day-to-day due to calf problems. Meanwhile, DaRon Holmes II is out for the season, and Vlatko Cancar is sidelined with a knee injury. This could potentially impact the performance of both benches and rotation strategies.
Betting analysts have noted the trend of the Under hitting more often than not when these two teams meet, with the Under covering six of the last ten outings. Given last night's score of 113-110, which fell below the 238.5 total, oddsmakers expect another possible lower-scoring affair today. The total points recommended are set at 236.5, as analysts predict both teams may struggle with fatigue playing on back-to-back nights.
Listeners expecting to catch the game live can tune in on local channels, including ALT2 and FDSSW, or through streaming options such as Sling. For fans who prefer radio, coverage will be available on SiriusXM channels for both teams.
Tonight will put the Spurs to the test to see if they can carry over the momentum from last night’s victory or whether the Nuggets will bounce back, leveraging Jokic’s formidable scoring power on the road. Regardless of the outcome, the clash promises to be competitive and provide insights on both teams as they navigate the tight Western Conference standings.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to secure victory, this matchup will be pivotal for placing as the season progresses. Expect thrilling plays, standout performances, and tight scores as these two teams keep fans guessing.