Tonight we have what looks to be a very fun game between two of the top west teams in Denver. Both squads started the season strong with a 2-0 record but one will have to lose tonight. Denver normally are one of the toughest home courts to go to so we can expect the Warriors to get seriously tested just like they were in Utah back on Friday.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have made a very impressive start to their season having beaten the Clippers on the road 107-98 and the Suns at home last night 119-91 behind an Incredible 35 pt triple double on 100% shooting by Jokic. Denver are seemingly much improved on defense so far this season and that may be due to Millsap being back in the squad and healthy. Nuggets are one of the most explosive teams in the NBA and that’s why they match up with the Warriors pretty well and why they should be able to give them a very tough game. Last night Will Barton hurt his hip and left with a stretched so he’ll be out alongside Isaiah Thomas and Michael Porter JR who are both some time away from coming back. Expect more minutes for Craig Beasley and Hernangomez in Barron’s absence
Predicted starting line-up – J.Murray, G.Harris, T.Craig, P.Millsap, N.Jokic
Injuries – W.Barton, J.Vanderbilt, I.Thomas, M.Porter JR – All our
Golden State Warriors
Warriors have had quite a season start. First defeating OKC 108-100 then winning in Utah on the road 124-123 thanks to a Jonas Jerebko, yes Jerebko game winner. Warriors showed how good they are against Utah managing to win despite their opponent dropping 81 at the half and hitting a franchise high 19 threes. Curry and Durant have both been playing out of their minds so far with Steph averaging 31.5 and KD putting up 32.5 ppg through the first 2 games. Klay has been off however so we can expect him to burst eventually too. For this game Livingston is doubtful, Iguodala is questionable while Cousins is still out meaning more playing time for Cook, Looney and Jones.
Predicted starting line-up – S.Curry, K.Thompson, K.Durant, D.Green, D.Jones
Injuries – D.Cousins – out, A.Iguodala – Questionable, S.Livingston – Doubtful
Key Facts
Denver have been one of the toughest places for Golden State to play in, they actually are just 3-4 in their recent 4 year run playing in Denver
Last season this series ended 2-2
On average there was 218.25 ppg in this match up last season despite one game only totalling 177 pts. The other 3 all had 220+ pts.
Denver so far have the best def RTG (90) this year compared to being 23rd and 109 def RTG last season. Improvement
Both of these squads were top 6 in off RTG last season and have kept their off RTG number pretty similar this season so far.
Both squads are top 10 in pace this season.
Nikola Jokic 30+ pt triple double on 100% shooting has been achieved for the first time since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967.
Warriors are averaging 116 ppg, Denver are averaging 113 ppg this season.
Warriors are giving up 111.5 ppg, Denver are giving up just 94.5 ppg this season.
Nuggets had the 4th best home record (31-10) last year. GS had the 2nd best road record (29-12)
Betting Tips and Predictions
In this game we see value in Denver winning. Around 2.70 Odds on Denver at home will be value no matter who they play. Golden State’s depth is limited especially if Livingston and Iguodala can’t go as they’re arguably their 2 best bench players. Denver are playing great right now, they have caused warriors problems at home many times in recent years despite warriors having those allstars. We can expect a very fiery atmosphere and just like in Utah, Warriors will have huge problems and may need Steph and KD to drop incredible performances to win again. We can also expect a high points amount. Despite Denver’s improved defense it’s hard to expect them to lock GS down while GS themselves tend to go through the motions in regular season especially on defense. For us this is a 50/50 game in terms of win chances therefore Denver to win is value. Over 229 points should come through too considering how explosive these teams are.
Match Odds (TonyBet)
Denver Nuggets Win – 2.66 (Regular Time- 2.86)
Golden State Warriors Win – 1.54 (Regular Time – 1.59)
