Charles Barkley reveals why Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are a bigger problem than the Thunder

While it is San Antonio Spurs made a statement by beating Oklahoma City Thunder three times in December, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are an NBA analyst Charles Barkleyis the favorite to win this year’s title. Although Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs beat the Rockets and have the second-best record in the Western Conference (32-15), trailing the Thunder by 5.5 games, Barkley says the Nuggets are better suited to beat the defending champions.

At the same time, Vembanjama and Spurs they have their hands full against a team like the Nuggets, Barkley said, according to ESPN’s Inside The NBA.

“My friends are like, man, the San Antonio Spurs, they’re playing well against OKC. I say it’s an easier matchup for them because when they have Hartenstein, he’s a liability offensively, so their guards can pressure, pressure, pressure and put everything on Vemba,” Barkley said.

“The problem with the Spurs when they play the Joker, they’re going to take Wembey, and their team gets really, really small when he has to stay away. So that’s the difference. But they have a very bright future. Like Shaq said, they’re missing another piece.”

Chuck:

“My friends are like a San Antonio Spurs man, they play well against OKC. I say it’s an easier matchup for them because when they have Hartenstein, he’s a must offensively, so their guards can pressure, pressure, pressure and flow… pic.twitter.com/mADSfn0aiM

— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) January 29, 2026

The Nuggets are 9-5 since Jokic hyperextended his left knee in late December. Since then, Charles Barkley has watched Peyton Watson emerge as Denver’s new 20+ scorer, averaging 22.2 points on 48.8% shooting, including 45.7% from deep and 5.9 rebounds. He’s also been dangerous on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.

Watson is one of the many reasons why the Nuggets remain stable without Nikola Jokic. With the third-best record (31-16) in the Western Conference, Denver is breathing down the Spurs’ neck, just 1.0 games behind San Antonio.

Victor Wembanyama admits he is 1 from 1 after Spurs win

Like trade rumors surrounding Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo Don’t expect the Spurs to get into the mix, as their future is in great hands, led by All-Star Victor Vembanyama. The young phenom continues to grow while taking his team with him as Spurs feel ahead of schedule this season.

Many expected Vembanjama and Spurs to top the Western Conference table next season, but they advanced to 2025-26leading to their impressive 31-16 record in 47 games.

“I’m trying to do things on the court that no one does, so I have to do things in a way that no one does,” said Wembanyama, who almost single-handedly put the Rockets ahead in the fourth quarter.

“I try to do things on the field that no one else does, so I have to do things in a way that no one else does”

Victor Vembanyama talks about his way of thinking 🗣

pic.tvitter.com/KuIdRJAuiI https://t.co/vIKSufhd4nU

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 29, 2026

Vembanyama and the Spurs erased a 16-point deficit with an 11-0 run and Vembanyama’s fourth-quarter offense finished with 28 points on 8-of-15 shooting, 16 rebounds and five blocks against the Rockets.