The San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets will lock horns with each other at the Ball Arena on Friday. The matchup is an NBA Cup group stage game with great importance for both teams. The winners of the matchup will clinch the top spot in Group C in the Western Conference and advance to the tournament's knockout stage.
Both teams are meeting each other for the first time this season. The Spurs (12-5) are coming into the matchup after securing a 115-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. They are holding fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
The Nuggets (13-4), on the other hand, secured a 125-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. So far this season, Denver has proven itself to be one of the best teams in the West. They are in third place in the Western Conference standings.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups Tonight
San Antonio Spurs starting lineup
De'Aaron Fox is expected to be the starting point guard for the Spurs on Friday, with Devin Vassell playing at shooting guard. Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes should form the frontcourt, with Luke Kornet playing as the number five.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Spurs depth chart against the Nuggets:
Denver Nuggets starting lineup
Nikola Jokic is expected to lead the team from the center position. Jamal Murray should form the back court with Cameron Johnson, while Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson form the frontcourt.
Nuggets depth chart against the Spurs:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets Injury Reports
San Antonio Spurs injury report
The Spurs are heading into the matchup with three players confirmed to be on the bench and one listed as questionable. Jordan McLaughlin is out with a hamstring injury, while Stephon Castle is out with a left hip flexor strain.
Victor Wembanyama remains on the bench because of a calf strain. Harrison Ingram's participation is questionable.
Denver Nuggets injury report
The Nuggets will have three players on the sidelines while hosting the Spurs. Julian Strawther is out with a back injury, while Aaron Gordon is out with a hamstring strain.
Christian Braun remains out with an ankle sprain, which requires re-evaluation in five weeks.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets Key Matchups
The matchup between All-Star guards De'Aaron Fox and Jamal Murray is one to keep an eye on. Fox started the season late, as he was recovering from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left pinky finger.
However, the Spurs guard has been on a tear since making his debut in a 126-119 win over the Pelicans on Nov. 8. Fox is averaging 25.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
Jamal Murray, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for the Nuggets since the start of the season. He is averaging 23.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 6.8 apg.
Spurs Fan? Check out the latest San Antonio Spurs depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.