The Denver Nuggets head into the final day of the season with a lot to play for. Nikola Jokic will likely be on the court to get another game played to qualify for the MVP award, and the outcome of the game will determine their playoff seed. And even though the San Antonio Spurs have the number two seed in the Western Conference locked up, they still have one thing to play for. Keeping the Nuggets on the other side of the playoff bracket.
The Spurs should have motivation to play hard, and maybe play some starters. The injury report only lists Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle as questionable, not out. The Spurs don't have plans to rest anyone, yet. They could still make a change before the game, but it wouldn't fit the strategy that they could be playing.
The Spurs are playing to keep the Nuggets on the other side
The implications for the Spurs' result in the game are enormous. If the Nuggets win, they claim the three seed in the Western Conference, and the Spurs would be forced to take on the Nuggets in round two of the playoffs.
But if the Nuggets lose, the Spurs would avoid both Denver and the Oklahoma City Thunder until the Western Conference Finals. That behooves the Spurs to pursue the win. They obviously want the two toughest opponents on the other side of the playoff bracket.
Plus, the Nuggets are 5-2 against the Spurs and Wemby in head-to-head matchups against Jokic. And Jokic has been dominant against the possible Defensive Player of the Year. Jokic averages an absurd 37.3 points against Wemby, and seems to have Wemby figured out.
The Spurs seem to sense this, and evidently, they'll be out to force the Nuggets to the other side of the bracket.
Nuggets are prioritizing health over seeding
The Nuggets are putting health first, and in a season in which four starters and key reserves missed significant amounts of time with injury, they should. They'll be resting Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones remain out for injuries.
If the Nuggets lose, they get the Rockets in the first round, which may be an easier opponent than the Timberwolves. But they get the Thunder in round two.
It doesn't seem to matter to the Nuggets. They appear to be comfortable taking on anyone, anytime, as long as they're healthy.