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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – DECEMBER 27: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after defending the shot attempt of Jusuf Nurkic #30 of the Utah Jazz during the game at Frost Bank Center on December 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
When it comes to the NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs won’t be facing each other until the later rounds if they make it.
As the second seed, the Spurs will get an NBA Play-In Tournament winner. If the Nuggets stay with No. 3, they would face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Nuggets-Spurs battle won’t be much of a discussion after Sunday’s season finale. However, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons feels the last meaningful outing between the Spurs and the Nuggets last week exposed a major concern for the Spurs.
Now, Simmons is under the belief that the Nuggets could take out the Spurs in the later rounds of the playoffs. Or, another team could take advantage of said weakness.
What Did The Nuggets Expose?
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 01, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
“My biggest hesitation with San Antonio is what we saw the other night, when Wembanyama got clipped and hurt his ribs. He played 37-plus minutes five times this year. You get to the playoffs, your best guys are out there 38-39-40-41, you can’t f*** around. I thought it was really telling in that overtime game against Joker, when they had to keep him out there, I just thought he looked gassed by the end of it,” Simmons said.
GettySan Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama is taking on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. They are some of the most dynamic centers in the game.
“They’ve been using him as this pitcher on a pitch count all year. You throw 90 pitches, five to six innings, and we’re getting you out, and our bullpen is going to take it home. I don’t think the playoffs work that way. I really wonder, at his age, he hasn’t totally filled out yet, to have to go every other night. And have to play 35-40 minutes a game. I don’t know if he can do it and stay healthy.”
Wembanyama’s Biggest Questions
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 03: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Julian Champagnie #30 before the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.
After averaging 33.2 minutes per game in 46 outings last season, Wembanyama saw the court for 29.2 minutes per game this year. The star center even came off the bench for nine games, as he eased his way back from an injury.
On the court, Wembanyama is clearly as impactful as they come. The star center averages 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game.
But as Simmons states, the supposed “pitch count” can’t be utilized frequently in the playoffs, when stars historically see their minutes rise. Does Wembanyama have the conditioning to keep up? Can he maintain positive health throughout a potentially deep playoff run? These are questions that can only be answered throughout his postseason debut.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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