Warriors vs Nuggets Game Analysis: First Win or O-4
The Golden State Warriors hope to win their first game of the season on Monday night when they visit the Nuggets in Denver on October 26. The game starts at 7:00 pm ET.
The Nuggets are favored to win by about 7.5 points. Here at PayPerHead, you’ll find our Warriors vs Nuggets prediction and everything you need to know ahead of this game.
Golden State Warriors Recent Scores: Preseason Doesn’t Count
The Warriors had a good preseason start, going 4-2. But as we all know, that doesn’t necessarily say anything about the regular season. They beat the Lakers twice in preseason only to lose to them in the opening game. Although Stephen Curry scored 23 points to begin his 18th season, the Lakers stole the show.
New center Walker Kessler scored 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and nine rebounds. Luka Doncic scored 28, and Austin Reaves netted 23 to start their season without LeBron James.
In their second game, the Warriors led the Grizzlies by 12 with 3:47 left, then Memphis rallied with a 17-0 run. Cameron Boozer got the go-ahead shot with 20 seconds left. He finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Stephen Curry had 24 points, and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in his debut.
The Warriors had to play their third game in four days against the Phoenix Suns. It was the first time in 19 years they were winless in their first three games, but they rested several starters, including Curry.
- Game 1: at Lakers 105-127 (loss)
- Game 2: vs Grizzlies 108-111 (loss)
- Game 3: at Suns 122-131 (loss)
Denver Nuggets Recent Scores: Building Momentum
In their first game against the Thunder, they held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting. It was the first time he didn’t reach at least 20 points in 141 games. But it wasn’t enough for Denver to get the win.
The Pelicans took an early lead in Denver’s second game, going ahead 38-24 in the first quarter. They increased that lead over the next two quarters before the Nuggets rallied back in the fourth to tie it up. Jamal Murray scored 42 points; in overtime, Jokic scored eight of his 35 points, and rookie Trevon Brazile had seven of his 17 points.
- Game 1: at Thunder 84-96 (loss)
- Game 2: vs Pelicans 141-135 (win – O/T)
Warriors vs Nuggets History: 200th Game
This will be the 200th regular-season meeting between the two teams, with Denver leading the series 111-88. They met four times last season, with each team taking 2 home wins.
They’ve met 11 times in the playoffs. The Warriors lead that series 8-3.
Their first season as competitors was in 1976, with both teams winning their two home games.
Warriors vs Nuggets Prediction: Short-handed
The Nuggets are rested after their home win on Saturday, while the Warriors have to travel to mile-high after playing in Phoenix. The Warriors still produced against the Suns even though they sat several key players. If those players are back, the team may stand a chance against the Nuggets. They’re keen not to go 0-4.
Both teams have injuries:
Warriors: Jimmy Butler III (knee), Moses Moody (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness/POTS)
Nuggets: Cameron Johnson (ankle/wrist), Alpha Diallo (ankle/wrist), Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones
Warriors’ rookie Lendeborg has shown promise, averaging 18.7 PPG and 8.3 RPG, but Jokic is a major matchup problem for the Warriors, who are without Porzingis.
Our Warriors vs Nuggets prediction is a 128-122 win for Denver. Remember to follow us on social media to stay tuned this NBA season.
