Spurs minus 13 1/2 hosting Nuggets
First let me say I like Nuggets coach Michael Malone. Unlike his predecessor, Brian Shaw, he’s a real coach. I didn’t think Malone got a fair shake in Sacramento. I also like Denver’s rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay – he’s on both of my Rotisserie teams – along with Danilo Gallinari, who is showing just how good he can be now that he’s healthy.
However …. This is a kill spot for San Antonio.
I see the Spurs, finally fully healthy, burying Denver at home. The Nuggets are playing for the fourth time in six days and without rest. This is their third consecutive road contest. They are coming off a 115-98 road win against the Pelicans. That win isn’t quite as impressive as it may look, though, given that New Orleans is a reeling 1-10 and Anthony Davis was lost in the first quarter.
The Spurs have won five in a row, winning those games by an average of 14.4 points. They are at 100 percent with Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili back playing. San Antonio has covered in 12 of its last 16 home games going back to last season.
This is their last game of a three-game homestand. They won’t play again until Friday so a full effort should be forthcoming.
Denver doesn’t shoot well enough to be to hang with the Spurs, who give up the fewest points in the NBA per game at 90.6. Only two of the Spurs’ last nine foes have scored more than 94 points.
The Nuggets also aren’t strong enough defensively to keep the Spurs in check. San Antonio is the second-best shooting team in the league.
