Some may be waiting for the Spurs to let up, but it simply
hasn't happened. Can they win again in Wednesday's showdown against the
Nuggets?
Gregg Popovich's San Antonio squad is 8-2 SU in its previous
10 games and has won three in a row coming into this matchup.
The San Antonio Spurs have won two straight by double digits, including
Monday's 111-96 victory at home over the Golden State Warriors.
Tim Duncan went out early due to an ankle injury, but Tony
Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tiago Splitter stepped up to lead their team to a
win.
Parker put up 17 points and 15 assists while Ginobili netted
a game-high 28 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Splitter came up big with extended
playing time, logging 10 points, 14 rebounds and three steals in over 26
minutes off the bench.
Another win isn't a guarantee for the Spurs however versus a
cohesive Denver Nuggets team.
The Nuggets have won eight of their past 11 contests and
head into Wednesday fresh off a 123-90 beatdown of the Toronto Raptors at home.
In Monday's huge win, seven different players reached double
figures for Denver, though Ty Lawson (23 points, eight assists, four boards)
was especially effective. J.R. Smith meanwhile had 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight
dimes off the bench.
Two hot Western Conference teams face off
Ahead of this encounter the Spurs are 9-4 ATS in their 13
most recent road games but are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight affairs playing
on one days rest.
The Nuggets have torched the NBA betting spreads left and right lately,
cashing ATS in six consecutive home games. They are 21-8 ATS in their last 29
games overall.
Unfortunately for the Spurs Tim Duncan is expected to be out
until at least early April while DeJuan Blair is dealing with a wrist injury
but is considered probable for Wednesday's game.
Denver's Arron Afflalo (hamstring) will miss at least a week
and Raymond Felton has been hobbled by an ankle sprain. Be sure to check on his
status over at SBR's updated injury report.
Injuries aside, while the Spurs may own the NBA's best
record, it's the Nuggets who I think will capture the win on Wednesday evening.
I really like how Denver has been playing since a roster
shakeup that saw Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups leave town.
The ball has been moving around nicely rather than being
stuck in the hands of Melo for most of the game and put simply the Nuggets are
just playing much better team ball since the trade.
Losing Duncan will hurt San Antonio, even if age is starting
to catch up with the big man. The Spurs are a lot stronger defensively when
he's on the floor and I think George Karl's troops will take advantage this
coming Wednesday.
FREE NBA Pick: Denver gets it done on its own floor