Nuggets vs Spurs Picks, Thursday, March 12th

The NBA schedule brings us an intriguing Western Conference matchup here in mid-March as the Denver Nuggets take on the San Antonio Spurs. With the regular season winding down, both teams have plenty to play for. San Antonio currently sits near the top of the conference as the two seed, while Denver is battling to stay out of the play-in range as the sixth seed.

These teams have only faced each other once this season and it turned into a high-scoring thriller. The Spurs pulled out a 139-136 victory in that matchup despite not having Victor Wembanyama available. It was a back-and-forth offensive showcase, highlighted by big performances from both sides. Denver will certainly remember that loss and should come into this game motivated to even the season series.

After breaking down the matchup, recent performances and the current stakes in the standings, we’ve identified our Nuggets vs Spurs best bets for tonight’s matchup.

Our Top Nuggets vs Spurs Picks:

• PICK #1: Denver Nuggets +4.5 over San Antonio Spurs (-110)

• PICK #2: Over 236.5 (-110)

• PICK #3: Jamal Murray over 25.5 points (-110)

Pick #1: Nuggets +4.5 over Spurs (-110)

Even though San Antonio holds the better seed right now, this line gives Denver a little too much cushion for a team with this much experience and offensive firepower. The Nuggets have proven they can compete with anyone when their core players are healthy and playing extended minutes.

Their previous meeting with the Spurs showed just how close these teams are. Denver lost by only three points in a game that featured heavy scoring from both sides. Small adjustments defensively or a few late possessions going the other way could easily flip the outcome this time around. This game will be different with Wemby being available to play, but the matchup between him and Nikola Jokic is going to be incredible.

With the Nuggets still fighting to secure a guaranteed playoff spot and avoid the play-in scenario, the urgency factor also favors them here. Getting 4.5 points with a motivated veteran group provides solid value.

Pick #2: Over 236.5 (-110)

The first meeting between these teams earlier this season in November turned into a full-blown shootout, finishing 139-136 in favor of San Antonio. That game showed how easily both offenses can find scoring opportunities when these teams share the floor.

Even without Victor Wembanyama in that matchup, the pace stayed high and both teams were able to create quality looks throughout the night. Jamal Murray exploded for 37 points for Denver, while Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 35 in the win. With that kind of shot creation on both sides, points can pile up quickly.

San Antonio has leaned heavily on its offense during its push to the two seed in the Western Conference, while Denver still has plenty of scoring power with its veteran core. If this game follows a similar tempo to the first meeting, both teams should have enough firepower to push the total past 236.5.

Pick #3: Jamal Murray over 25.5 points (-110)

Jamal Murray already proved he can thrive in this matchup earlier in the season. In the previous meeting with San Antonio, Murray erupted for 37 points while carrying a large portion of Denver’s scoring load.

His ability to create off the dribble, hit perimeter shots and attack mismatches makes him one of the most difficult guards in the league to contain when he gets into rhythm. Against the Spurs’ defensive scheme, Murray consistently found space to operate and generate quality scoring opportunities without Wemby in the game. He will need to show he can do it with Wemby being around the basket, but there is every chance he does.

With Denver needing offensive production in an important stretch of the season, Murray should once again be heavily involved. If the game stays competitive, the volume and minutes should be there for him to clear the 25.5-point line.