The Denver Nuggets head out to the Bay Area to take on the Golden State Warriors for the second time this season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nuggets-Warriors prediction and pick.
Denver had been rolling of late before having an eight-game winning streak snapped by the Boston Celtics in an epic collapse on Sunday. Golden State is coming off an impressive 16-point victory against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Denver took the first head-to-head meeting of the season by a score of 114-104.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Nuggets-Warriors odds.
NBA Odds: Nuggets-Warriors Odds
Denver Nuggets -4.5 (-109)
Over 226 Points (-110)
Under 226 Points (-110)
Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread
The Nuggets are still the hottest team in the NBA despite dropping their last game to the Celtics. Denver held a 14-point lead at one point late in the third quarter before somehow losing the game by 18 points. The Nuggets were outscored 31-8 in the fourth quarter, snapping an eight-game winning streak since acquiring Aaron Gordon at the trade deadline. Gordon has seemed to bring out a new life in this Nuggets team with some added energy and athleticism. Denver has won 17 of its last 21 games and looks to be a clear contender in the Western Conference.
Michael Porter Jr. has been so good for the Nuggets over the past couple of months. He had another solid outing in the recent loss, registering 22 points and 11 rebounds. MVP candidate Nikola Jokic continued his dominance as well, adding 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in yet another triple-double performance. Two other Nuggets were in double figures for the game. Jamal Murray has been out for this team in the past four games and will likely be out again in this one. Denver is one of the best offensive teams in the NBA and should be able to find enough offense in other places.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors are undoubtedly in the middle of a roller-coaster season. They are 6-12 over their last 18 games since their 8-7 month of February. Golden State currently holds the last spot of the play-in tournament and will have to continue to win games in a crowded Western Conference down the stretch. Getting Stephen Curry back recently was a great sign for the Warriors as they went 1-5 in the recent six-game stretch without their superstar.
Unfortunate news broke on Sunday involving rookie big man James Wiseman. Wiseman suffered a torn meniscus and could miss the rest of the season. Steph Curry rallied his Warriors in their last win with 38 points on eight-made triples. He also added eight rebounds and five assists in a great all-around performance. Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole delivered nice outings as well, dropping 25 and 21 points, respectively. Golden State will have to continue to fend off injuries as Kelly Oubre Jr. and Eric Paschall have both been out for the Warriors of late.
Final Nuggets-Warriors Prediction & Pick
The public is absolutely hammering the Nuggets coming into this Western Conference affair. I would have to agree as there is a huge disparity in this matchup. The Warriors will be without two of their starters in James Wiseman and Kelly Oubre Jr., and they will also be missing big man Eric Paschall. The lack of depth is a huge issue for Golden State and will be the deciding factor against one of the deepest teams in the league. Denver will get back to its winning ways on Monday night. An interesting play would be to tease the Nuggets with the Philadelphia 76ers.
FINAL PICK: Denver Nuggets -4.5 (-110)
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