Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Predictions & Odds
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets to Defeat the Golden State Warriors
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The Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets continue their rivalry after meeting in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors continue to fight for position in the Western Conference playoffs, despite having one of the league's worst road records. The Denver Nuggets would need a massive collapse to drop out of first place, but their recent four-game win streak provides confidence in their focus.
The Warriors remain one of the league's best scoring units, scoring 118.2 points per game (2nd in the NBA) while hitting 16.5 threes per game (1st in the NBA) on 38.3% efficiency (3rd in the NBA). It isn't their offense that fails them on the road, but their defense allows 124.1 points per game on 49.3% from the field and 40.7% from three.
The Denver Nuggets will pit their three-point defense against the Warriors' shooting, as they allow just 11.3 threes per game (3rd in the NBA) on 34.4% efficiency from beyond the arc (3rd in the NBA). Through their four-game win streak, the Nuggets' defense has allowed just 105.8 points and 8.3 three-pointers on 26.0% efficiency from deep.
Having already won two of their three matches this season, we're projecting the Nuggets to sweep the season series. The Warriors perform like a lottery team on the road, and the Nuggets' home-court advantage is already one of the best in the league. The Nuggets are the pick to make with their offensive efficiency and defensive form. However, if Jokic remains unavailable, it may be worth flipping your choice.
Key Players & Stats
With Nikola Jokic receiving some rest time for injury management, Jamal Murray has stepped up to the plate to carry the Nuggets. The difference in his performance is apparent in wins versus losses, averaging five more points per game in victories while shooting 48.7% from the field and 43.6% from three. Murray thrives with Jokic creating for him, but to beat the Warriors, he'll need to be successful as the offense's focal point.
Stephen Curry remains the Warriors' biggest threat, as his shooting is dangerous enough to take teams down alone. In the Warriors' win over the Pelicans, Curry posted 39 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists while hitting eight threes on the evening. Given Golden State's desperation to stay in the playoff picture, expect another big night from Curry.
