• Friday's game is a winner-take-all contest in NBA Emirates Cup group play action, with the winner advancing to the knockout rounds from West Group C. Neither the Spurs nor Nuggets have advanced past the pool play stage in the Cup's two-year existence.

When the Denver Nuggets host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, the winner will capture West Group C and advance to the Cup quarterfinals while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament. Although it's not for a NBA title, getting a win in the regular-season standings and staying alive for the Cup are motivating factors.

Most of Riley Minix's work is handled in Bee Caves, about 40 minutes away from the Austin Spurs' home court at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. S

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper, who was the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft, has been cleared to make his return after missing the past 10 games.

In Thursday’s victory over the Hawks, De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Spurs as he recorded 26 points, five rebounds and nine assists while Keldon Johnson added 25 points and seven rebounds of his own off the bench.

The Spurs beat the Hawks 135-126, maintaining a strong start to the season despite Victor Wembanyama's injury.