The Golden State Warriors look to sweep the first-round series as they meet the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 on Sunday. It's time to look at our NBA odds series to make a Warriors-Nuggets pick and prediction.

 

The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 118-113 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. The first quarter delivered plenty of energy as the Warriors put up 34 points while the Nuggets countered with 32. Both teams kept hitting their shots as the game strode into the second quarter. The Warriors used a big 15-4 run in the second to keep the Nuggets from overtaking the lead. Golden State led 69-59 at the half.

The Nuggets roared back in the third stanza, allowing the Warriors to score only 18 points. Denver led by two heading into the final frame. However, the Warriors answered back in the fourth. Eventually, Golden State would usurp control of the lead thanks to second-chance opportunities. Andrew Wiggins capitalized on this when he hit a 3-pointer off a fresh opportunity, and it put Golden State up 112-111 late in the game. The Warriors did not surrender the lead back.

Stephen Curry came off the bench to score 27 points for Golden State. Additionally, Jordan Poole put up 27 points, including shooting 9-of-13 from the field. He converted three shots from beyond the arc. Also, Klay Thompson contributed with 26 points while shooting 10-of-18 from the field. He hit six 3-pointers.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 37 points and 18 rebounds. In addition to that, Aaron Gordon added 18 points with 12 rebounds. Will Barton contributed 13 points. However, the Denver bench was less successful, combining for just 31 points.

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Warriors-Nuggets Game 4 odds.

NBA Odds: Warriors-Nuggets Game 4 Odds

Warriors: -4.5 (-110)

Nuggets: +4.5 (-110)

Over: 225 (-110)

Under: 225 (-110)

*Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)

Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread

Golden State has controlled the series with two blowouts at home and a nail-biter on the road. Now, they look to put the finishing touch on this one. The Warriors got here by utilizing their big three in different varieties, with Curry coming off the bench. This gives Golden State a monstrous advantage when the second-stringers face off. Additionally, Poole and Thompson hold their weight efficiently for the starting five. Draymond Green has continued to contribute, and Wiggins is hitting vital shots.

The Warriors are also going on enormous second-quarter runs. In Game 1, Golden State went on a 16-0 run in the second quarter. Also, the Warriors managed a 15-2 run in Game 2 in the same stanza. The second quarter has been good for the Warriors, and this all starts with Curry. He is adjusting to his new role for the playoffs while averaging 30 minutes per game. It keeps him fresh and gives Curry the chance to take advantage of lesser competition. The Warriors have shot the ball well, as they shot 55.4 percent from the field in Game 3. Additionally, Golden State converted 45 percent of its 3-point shots.

The Warriors will cover the spread if they maintain their second-quarter dominance. Also, Curry must continue to dominate from the bench and give Golden State the edge. Ultimately, it always comes down to shots. If Golden State keeps converting its opportunities, they will cover the spread and advance to the semifinals.

Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread

Denver has done one thing correctly in this series. The Nuggets have won the rebounding battle over the last two games, which helped them compete against the Warriors in Game 3. However, the Nuggets need to do a lot more than that. For Denver, the key to victory lies with adjusting to the Warriors and their Curry plan.

Jokic has done everything anyone could ask for. However, the Nuggets need to give him help. The four starters next to Jokic combined for 17-of-42 shooting in Game 3. That will not get the job done on most nights. The Nuggets must find better shots to take and control the game. Also, Denver must slow down the game because of the roster situation.

The Nuggets will cover the spread if they can prevent a ginormous second-quarter run by the Warriors for the fourth game in a row. Additionally, the rest of the starters need to convert their shots. Finally, Denver has to slow down the pace and make Golden State earn every shot it takes. The season is on the line for the Nuggets, and they must pull out all the stops to stay alive.

Final Warriors-Nuggets Game 4 Prediction & Pick

The Nuggets need to win to stay alive. It is an uncomfortable situation and a nearly impossible scenario. Teams that have lost the first three games are 0-143 all-time in NBA playoff history. However, the Nuggets had a productive season, and there is a feeling that they will not go down so easily. Jokic will lead the Nuggets as they scratch and claw for every possession as they attempt to keep their season alive. The Nuggets will battle to the very end and make it a game, possibly stealing Game 4 and sending it back to California. At the very least, Denver will cover the spread.

Final Warriors-Nuggets Game 4 Prediction & Pick: Nuggets +4.5 (-110)