Spurs Key Dates: 5 More Must-See Matchups
Now that we have identified five key dates from the beginning of the San Antonio Spurs' season, let's continue with the latter half of the pre-All-Star break slate.
Leading into that February weekend, there will be no shortage of information regarding No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama's stance as a potential All-Star, which could make San Antonio's January matchups that much more important.
If Wembanyama ends up playing at the highest level he can, All-Star weekend isn't out of the question — Saturday night, that is — but regardless of how things shake out, his unique talent will still draw crowds.
So, with that being said, here are five more must-see matchups to keep an eye on:
1. Sunday, Nov. 26 @ Denver Nuggets - Wemby vs. Jokic
In the first test of many, Wembanyama and the Spurs will travel to "Mile-High" City to face Nikola Jokic and the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets.
Jokic proved to be virtually unstoppable when he faced some of the league's top big men last season, putting the Spurs next in line to send their top big man. Wembanyama may have the height advantage, but a battle between one of the NBA's best passers and potentially its top rookie is surely to attract attention.
Last season, the Spurs finished 1-2 against Denver, but came away victorious in their final matchup in March. If Wembanyama and company can pick where last season's Spurs left off, fans across the league will be tuning in to watch the Western-Conference face off.
2. Wednesday, Dec. 13 vs. Los Angeles Lakers - 'The King' vs. 'The Extraterrestrial'
Wembanyama's first test against "The King" will likely be the most anticipated matchup of the Spurs' season — and in good news for San Antonio fans, it'll happen twice in back-to-back matchups.
Watching arguably the greatest NBA prospect face-off against another player in the same mix isn't a game to just glance over on its own, especially with Wembanyama's legacy coming into judgement early. Winning or losing the game could set the tone of the narrative for the years to come before LeBron James' retirement.
However it goes, Wembanyama and the Spurs will get a chance to show other Western-Conference teams what they're made of — and potentially work their way into the mix for Christmas Day, considering the timing of the two meetings.
3. Thursday, Dec. 28 @ Portland Trail Blazers - 1st Meeting vs. Scoot
If Scoot Henderson is serious about his Rookie of the Year guarantee, he'll have an optimal chance to prove it during his first matchup against Wembanyama and the Spurs.
While San Antonio likely didn't consider taking any rookie besides the 7-4 giant they brought home, narratives surrounding Wembanyama, Henderson and Brandon Miller will certainly be at an all-time high. The Spurs rookie already played against Henderson's team without the No. 3 pick suited up, which only adds to the anticipation of that matchup.
And if Henderson does join the list of Rookie of the Year contenders by the end of the season, both his and Wembanyama's stat-lines could play a role in the comparison.
4. Thursday, Jan. 4 @ Milwaukee Bucks - Wemby vs. Giannis
In another clash of the stars matchup, Wembanyama and the Spurs will take on the Greek Freak and the Milwaukee Bucks for their second matchup of the calendar year.
Despite being a few seasons removed from his back-to-back MVP campaign, Giannis Antetokounmpo still dominates the league with his size and athleticism, giving Wembanyama a test against a bulked-up big man.
The Spurs rookie has already drawn comparisons to Antetokounmpo prior to adding muscle, which could set the tone for future matchups if Wembanyama follows suit, and will certainly attract a ton of NBA media attention.
5. Friday, Jan. 12 vs. Charlotte Hornets - No. 1 vs. No. 2
No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama and No. 3 pick Brandon Miller hardly have anything in common. Their skillsets vary drastically, as do their frame's and even team location.
One thing that does connect the two, however, is their draft position. Taken with the first pair of draft picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, both Miller and Wembanyama will be facing immense pressure to perform and live up the hype that's been set for them.
An early-January matchup between the two prospects will certainly be of interest to fans across the league, as Rookie of the Year implications could also be in play. And if Wembanyama comes away victorious, it could greatly help his case.
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