The San Antonio Spurs will close out their regular season on Sunday night with a home matchup against the Denver Nuggets, a game that carries implications for playoff rhythm rather than standings.
San Antonio has already secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and cannot move up or down regardless of the result. Still, the team enters the finale focused on maintaining momentum ahead of its first playoff appearance since 2019.
Much of the pregame attention centered on availability and rotations, particularly with Victor Wembanyama sidelined for rest due to a lingering rib issue.
The Spurs provided clarity shortly before tipoff by announcing their starting lineup.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup Vs. Denver Nuggets
San Antonio will open the game with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Mason Plumlee. The lineup reflects a balanced mix of primary playmaking, perimeter scoring, and interior presence as the Spurs prepare for postseason action.
The announced lineup places Fox at the center of the Spursâ offensive structure. Since joining San Antonio, he has provided consistent scoring and playmaking, including an 18-point, 10-assist performance in the recent win over Dallas.
Castle and Vassell provide additional ball-handling and scoring on the perimeter, while Champagnie adds versatility on both ends. Plumlee anchors the interior, offering size and rebounding in Wembanyamaâs absence.
The Spursâ approach in this game reflects their broader priorities. With playoff seeding already secured, the focus shifts to preparation and health rather than results.
San Antonio enters the postseason as one of the top teams in the conference, finishing with a 62-19 record and claiming the Southwest Division for the first time since 2017. Their opponent in the first round will be determined by the Play-In Tournament, with teams like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, or Portland Trail Blazers in contention.
Wembanyama recently spoke about the significance of reaching the playoffs, highlighting the importance of high-pressure games.
âItâs becoming more real, more and more real, that we are actually going to play in the playoffs,â he said. âIâm excited to play in high-stakes games again. ⦠Elimination games and such always reveal things.â
Victor Wembanyama’s absence shifts Spurs rotation
GettySan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama will not play in the regular-season finale after dealing with a sore left ribcage. The decision comes shortly after he returned from that same issue to deliver a dominant performance against the Dallas Mavericks, finishing with 40 points and 13 rebounds in just 26 minutes.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson explained the decision to hold him out, emphasizing caution with the postseason approaching.
âHeâs doing well but just a little sore and felt it was the appropriate decision,â Johnson said.
Wembanyama has already met the NBAâs 65-game eligibility requirement for awards, making the decision easier for the team. He finishes the regular season averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, leading the league in blocks and positioning himself as a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
The absence also allows the Spurs to evaluate different lineup combinations. With Wembanyama out, Plumlee steps into the starting center role, while the rest of the unit adjusts to maintain spacing and defensive balance.
Sundayâs finale provides one last opportunity for San Antonio to fine-tune its rotation before those high-stakes moments begin. With a defined starting lineup and key players resting, the Spurs appear focused on entering the postseason in a stable position.
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