The Denver Nuggets visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday night at the Chase Center. Denver sits third in the Western Conference with a 43-25 record, while Golden State holds sixth place at 39-28. This game could preview a first-round playoff matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their postseason standing.
Denver has won eight straight games against Golden State, including a 119-115 victory in their last meeting on December 3. The Warriors have won seven straight games overall and are closing in on Denver in the standings. Golden State has thrived since adding Jimmy Butler last month, going 14-2 since his arrival.
Denver Nuggets Preview – Jokic Continues to Lead the Way
The Nuggets have alternated wins and losses over their past six games. Their recent inconsistency was highlighted by a surprising 126-123 home loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Nikola Jokic posted 40 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists in that game, but the Nuggets were stunned by Jordan Poole’s game-winning 35-foot three-pointer.
Jokic has been dominant in Denver’s recent success against Golden State, recording three triple-doubles in their last eight meetings. He had 38 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in their December win over the Warriors. The Nuggets rely heavily on Jokic’s scoring, especially with Aaron Gordon listed as day-to-day with a calf injury.
Denver leads the NBA in field goal percentage (50.7%) and assists per game (31.1), showing they excel at efficient ball movement and scoring. The Nuggets must improve defensively, as they allowed 126 points in their last outing despite Jokic’s big performance.
Golden State Warriors Preview – Riding a Hot Streak
The Warriors are on a seven-game win streak and have won 14 of 16 games since acquiring Jimmy Butler. Golden State’s recent success has pushed them up the Western Conference standings and has them within striking distance of Denver.
Stephen Curry leads the Warriors, scoring 28 points in their recent 97-94 win over the New York Knicks. Curry and Butler provide a strong scoring duo, while Golden State’s defense has shown improvement during this stretch. The Warriors are 9-1 in their last 10 home games.
Golden State’s balanced attack will be key in this matchup. The Warriors average 121.2 points per game, ranking third in the league. Their efficient three-point shooting (38.2%) and ball movement have helped fuel their recent surge.
Betting Prediction
Golden State enters this game as a 5.5-point favorite. Despite Denver’s dominance in recent head-to-head matchups, the Warriors’ recent form makes them a strong pick here. Golden State’s improved defense and home-court advantage should help contain Jokic.
Denver’s tendency to play high-scoring games is worth noting, as the Nuggets have hit the game total over in 40 of their last 66 games. Expect this game to be competitive, but the Warriors’ momentum gives them the edge.
Pick: Warriors -5.5 / Over 237.5
Trends to Watch
- Denver: The Nuggets have hit the 1Q Game Total Over in 44 of their last 66 games.
- Denver: Denver has hit the Game Total Over in 40 of their last 66 games.
- Golden State: The Warriors have hit the Moneyline in nine of their last 10 home games.
- Golden State: Golden State has hit the 3Q Game Total Over in 21 of their last 28 games.
- Head-to-Head: The Nuggets have won eight straight games against Golden State.
What’s Next
Golden State’s tough schedule continues with a back-to-back game against the Milwaukee Bucks after facing Denver. Meanwhile, the Nuggets continue their playoff push as they try to hold onto their top-three seed in the West.
