Exchange of Power in the West?
The Golden State Warriors (26-25) have controlled the Western Conference for a number of seasons, winning four NBA Finals since 2015. Ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the Denver Nuggets (35-16), the Warriors hold the No. 7 seed in the West. The Nuggets have been the conference’s most dominant squad, holding the No. 1 seed since late December.
Both teams are viewed as title contenders, but could Thursday’s game be a sign of things to come? Denver seems to be the Western Conference’s gem this season, not Golden State like many expected. Both squads are 2-3 against the spread (ATS) over the last five games.
Let’s check the latest NBA news, stats, injury report, and NBA lines for Warriors vs Nuggets. We’ve got plenty of NBA picks for you to consider.
Warriors Leaning on the Deep Ball
After winning the 2022 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors dynasty was alive and well. The Warriors entered the season as one of the favorites to win the 2023 NBA Finals, along with the Boston Celtics. However, this season has been up and down due to injuries. Golden State sits one game above .500 and is currently in position to play in the Play-In Tournament.
Despite some struggles, the Warriors are the fifth choice (+900) to win the 2023 NBA Championship. Plus, Golden State has played well over the last week, winning three of four games. Its three-game winning streak was snapped on Wednesday with a 119-114 overtime loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
During the win streak, the Warriors averaged 126.3 points. They were red-hot from three, shooting better than 40% in three straight. Golden State’s 3-point shooting dipped in Wednesday’s loss at 31.4%. However, the Nuggets have allowed 13 or more made 3-pointers in two of the last three games.
Nuggets: Another Joker Triple-Double?
Since defeating the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 20, the Nuggets have not looked back. Denver has held the No. 1 seed in the West since the win and has been the most dominant team in the conference by a landslide.
The Nuggets hold the best odds to win the NBA Finals in the West at +800. Center Nikola Jokic has continued his elite play and comes off a 26-point, 18-rebound and 15-assist performance in the 122-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
Per NBA odds, Jokic is the favorite to win the MVP Award (-115). Jokic would be the fourth player to win three straight MVPs and the first since Larry Bird did it from 1984-86. On Oct. 22, Jokic had his way with the Warriors, recording 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Jokic hitting a triple-double prop bet seems likely, as he is averaging 25.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10 assists.
Denver has hit a bit of a rough patch, going 1-2 over its last three games. In fact, the Nuggets’ two-game losing streak was the first time they had consecutive losses since the first week of December.
Warriors vs Nuggets Game Injuries
Warriors vs Nuggets Head-to-Head
The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 128-123 on Oct. 21. However, Golden State eliminated Denver in the 2022 playoffs in five games. Including the playoffs, the Warriors are 5-2 in the last seven meetings while going 4-3 ATS.
Warriors vs Nuggets Game Information
- Game: Warriors (26-25) vs Nuggets (35-16)
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Day/Time: Thursday, Feb. 2, 9:00 p.m. ET
- Warriors vs Nuggets Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Warriors vs Nuggets Betting Lines
Warriors vs Nuggets Picks and Prediction
The Nuggets hold the NBA’s second-best home record at 23-4. Plus, Denver is 17-10 ATS at home and has covered three consecutive games against the Warriors. Golden State is 7-18 in away games while going 8-16 ATS.
Denver leads the NBA in 3-point percentage and shot 15-of-34 (44.1%) in its last meeting with Golden State. The Warriors rank 20th in allowed 3-point percentage and made 3-pointers per game. Take the Nuggets to cover, as their 3-point shooting will lead the way.
Denver is listed at -480 in our Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Nuggets, you have a chance to win $21. Golden State is +650, offering a chance to win $650 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Denver an 82.76% chance to win, with the Warriors at 13.33%.
Warriors vs Nuggets Trends
Warriors vs Nuggets Edge
Warriors vs Nuggets Results
Warriors vs Nuggets Game Summary
Nuggets vs Warriors Previous Game (Oct. 21, 2022)
The Denver Nuggets season started with Championship hopes, but if the opener is any indication, they have a lot of work to do.
Denver was crushed by the Utah Jazz; a team expected to be one of the worst in the league by the end of the year.
They now have to bounce back against the Golden State Warriors, the reigning champions. Golden State just rolled in their own season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Golden State is the favorite in the sportsbook against the Nuggets, but this should be a much more challenging match than their opener.
Jokic has the opportunity to have his way on offense against a young Wiseman, who is likely to be still getting his legs under him. Jokic will also have a matchup advantage if they put Andrew Wiggins on him.
However, Golden State will have the mismatch everywhere else on the court. Curry will take on Murray, who is still regaining his speed and endurance. The depth seems to favor Golden State – as does the home court.
Expect a much better effort from Denver tonight, but it still won’t be good enough to win or cover. Lay the points with your NBA picks.
![College Basketball Picks, Predictions & Best NCAA Basketball Betting Odds [Thursday, Feb 2nd]](https://www.betus.com.pa/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/college-basketball-picks-predictions-best-ncaa-basketball-betting-odds-thursday-feb-2nd-75x75.jpg)
