When it comes to high-stakes basketball, it doesn't get much more intense than this. The Denver Nuggets are gearing up for their final NBA Cup group-stage game against the San Antonio Spurs, and literally everything is on the line. Happening on November 28, 2025, at Ball Arena, this isn't just another game on the schedule; it’s a do-or-die situation for the defending champs to keep their Cup dreams alive. And the biggest story of the night? The tale of two superstars, one who will be on the court and one who won't.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Nikola Jokic is confirmed to play and is not on the injury report for the crucial NBA Cup match.
- ✓ The Spurs will be without their star, Victor Wembanyama, who is sidelined with a left calf strain.
- ✓ Denver is dealing with its own injury issues, missing Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther.
- ✓ This is a high-stakes, must-win game for the Denver Nuggets to stay alive in the chase for the NBA Cup.
- ✓ Historically, the Spurs lead the head-to-head 3-2 in the last five meetings, with most games being incredibly close.
The Joker's Wild: Denver's Hopes Rest on a Healthy MVP
Let's just cut to the chase: the Denver Nuggets have their MVP, and he is ready to go. Nikola Jokic is officially available and, to the relief of every fan in Denver, his name is nowhere to be found on the team's injury report. In a must-win scenario like this, having your best player fully available is the biggest advantage you can ask for, and Jokic is more than just the best player—he's a basketball phenomenon who continues to redefine what dominance means.
Just look at his numbers this season. Through 17 games, the Serbian superstar is averaging a staggering 29.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.1 assists. That's a triple-double average, folks. He's been the engine behind Denver's solid 13-4 start, and his all-around brilliance is the team's ultimate safety net, especially when their backs are against the wall. With championship habits and a star who can single-handedly take over a game, Denver is leaning heavily on him to pull them through.
A Banged-Up Supporting Cast
While Jokic is healthy, the same can't be said for the rest of the Nuggets roster. The team is far from full strength, which has forced them to rely even more on the one-two punch of Jokic and Jamal Murray. The injury list is concerning. Aaron Gordon is a huge absence, sidelined with a right hamstring strain that's expected to keep him out for at least six more weeks. His defensive versatility and athleticism are sorely missed.
On top of that, the rotation is thin with both Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) and Julian Strawther (lower back) also out. This will be Braun's seventh straight missed game and Strawther's sixth. These absences put immense pressure on the remaining starters and test the depth of a team that prides itself on its "next man up" mentality. Jokic and Murray are going to have to do some heavy lifting.
Spurs Face a Giant-Sized Hole in Their Lineup
If you think Denver's injury situation is tough, just take a look at what the San Antonio Spurs are dealing with. They are heading into Ball Arena without their franchise cornerstone. That's right—Victor Wembanyama is unavailable for this crucial game due to a left calf strain. Losing a 7’4” phenom who completely changes the geometry of the court is a devastating blow, especially against a team with a dominant force like Jokic in the paint.
Without Wembanyama's shot-altering presence anchoring their defense, the Spurs are in for a long night. But the bad news doesn't stop there. They'll also be missing Stephon Castle due to a left hip flexor issue and Jordan McLaughlin, who is out with a left hamstring injury. This leaves the Spurs severely shorthanded and scrambling for answers on both ends of the floor. Jokic is already a mismatch nightmare for most teams at full strength; against a team without its primary interior defender, he could have a field day.
Who Steps Up for San Antonio?
With their giant out, the burden of production shifts squarely to the backcourt and wings. Players like De'Aaron Fox, who is averaging 23.5 points and 6.1 assists, will need to be spectacular. Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper will also have to take on larger offensive roles to create spacing and try to keep pace with Denver's high-powered offense. It’s a tall task, but they have no other choice.
A Rivalry Defined by Nail-Biters
What's fascinating about this matchup is the history. Despite what the current injury reports might suggest, you can't just count the Spurs out. Looking back at their last five head-to-head games, the Spurs have actually won three of them. These aren't blowouts, either. We're talking about gritty, down-to-the-wire contests where every possession matters. Four of those five games were decided by seven points or less.
Just this year, the Spurs pulled off a 113-106 victory on April 3, 2025. And who could forget the nail-biter on April 13, 2024, when they scraped by with a 121-120 win? Of course, the Nuggets have had their moments too, like their convincing 122-111 victory on January 5, 2025. This history shows that another close contest could be in the cards, but the absence of Wembanyama is a variable that completely changes the equation.
Tale of the Tape: Key Stats
When you look at the raw statistics, the Nuggets appear to have a clear offensive advantage. They're putting up an impressive 123.8 points per game compared to the Spurs' 118.1. Denver also moves the ball better, leading with 29.2 assists per game versus San Antonio's 26.2. That fluid, Jokic-led offense is a thing of beauty and a nightmare to defend.
Interestingly, the Spurs hold an edge in some defensive categories, averaging more steals (8.8 to 7.4) and blocks (5.2 to 3.8) per game. However, a significant chunk of those blocks can be attributed to Wembanyama. Without him on the floor, their ability to protect the rim and disrupt shots will be severely compromised, which could open the floodgates for the Nuggets' offense. The game is set for a 9:30 pm ET/6:30 pm PT tip-off, and fans in the USA can catch the action live on Fubo.
Conclusion
So, here's the bottom line. We have a massive NBA Cup game with huge implications for the Western Conference bracket. On one side, you have the Denver Nuggets, led by a healthy and dominant Nikola Jokic but missing key rotation pieces. On the other, the San Antonio Spurs are coming into enemy territory without their generational talent in Victor Wembanyama, a loss that simply cannot be overstated.
While their recent head-to-head history points to a close battle, the current circumstances tilt the scales heavily in Denver's favor. With everything on the line at Ball Arena, the stage is set for Jokic to put his team on his back and lead them one step closer to another trophy. It's going to be a fascinating watch to see if the shorthanded Spurs can somehow defy the odds.
