The Spurs are on a two-game losing streak that could realistically extend to three when they host the Knicks, a team that has already beaten them and matches up well with them. Fortunately, the recent struggles came after a fantastic stretch that positioned the Silver and Black well in the standings and showcased the team’s high ceiling. Outside of San Antonio, factors beyond their control are also helping stomach these losses better. The struggles and adversity that some teams are enduring could have a big impact on the Spurs’ future in the regular season and beyond. The Jokic injury could help with playoff seeding and matchups On Monday, Nikola Jokic suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for approximately four weeks. It’s terrible news for the Nuggets and a tragedy for basketball fans who won’t get to see the best player in the world for a month. The only good thing about it is it wasn’t a more serious injury, as many feared. Purely in terms of the standings and the Spurs’ perspective, however, Denver’s misfortune could be their gain. San Antonio currently has the second-best record in the West, even after the two losses. The Nuggets were right behind them, back one game with one fewer game played. It’s safe to assume they will struggle without their best player and offensive engine, despite improved depth this year, so they shouldn’t be a threat to overtake the Silver and Black any time soon. But the injury could have a more profound effect in the conference. The records of the pack of teams behind the Thunder are extremely close, with the Nuggets, Rockets and Lakers all having 10 losses to the Spurs’ nine. The Timberwolves are not too far behind. Two of those teams will likely fall to the fourth and fifth spots and be on OKC’s side of the bracket. That’s why Denver likely dropping off could have such a big impact. It would not only potentially help San Antonio stay second in the conference but could also mean pushing The Joker’s squad on a collision course with the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs. It’s probably still early in the season to be thinking about matchups. The Spurs may go back to winning enough to depend on themselves, just as others who are currently behind them may get hot and surpass them. San Antonio’s success against OKC might even suggest that falling to fourth would not be the worst outcome. But for now, likely having a direct competitor for seeding struggle is beneficial. It’s just unfortunate it took an injury to make it happen. The Hawks’ turmoil could result in a high pick for San Antonio The Hawks had a stretch in which they looked like a solid young team that was ready to get to the playoffs and potentially make some noise, provided they could reintegrate their star point guard into the fold after he spent time sidelined with injuries. Alas, it all fell apart rather quickly. They are on a seven-game losing streak and have not won a single game since Trae Young returned to action. A long losing streak is bad on its own, and the fact that Atlanta has gone 6-14 against teams with a .500+ record suggests they are just mediocre at best. Their defense has been a complete disaster since Young’s return, and Porzingis, who is about to return, has only played 13 games, and there’s no guarantee he’ll stay healthy. But it’s not just on-court stuff that makes a bounceback seem unlikely in the short term. After not offering him an extension, the front office is rumored to be open to trading Young midseason, but there might be no buyers. They are also reportedly seriously exploring the possibility of targeting Anthony Davis via trade($), a transaction that could make them better if Davis stays healthy and gels with Young or could completely destroy their chemistry. Zaccharie Risacher, the top pick of the 2024 draft who has disappointed this season, is in the trade rumors and so is Kristaps Porzingis. There’s bound to be turmoil and distractions in Atlanta that could last months. Maybe the Hawks figure out their defense. Maybe they survive what looks like a brutal January schedule with few gimmes and stay in the playoff race. Maybe the Bucks struggle and don’t pass them in the standings. Maybe a trade happens soon and fixes all their problems. But the most likely scenario seems to be a lottery trip, which would be fantastic for the Spurs, who own swap rights to their first-rounder in 2026. ...read more read less