Back on their home hardwood, the Denver Nuggets will look to avoid being pushed to the edge of the cliff by the Golden State Warriors Thursday night. Through the first two games of the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff matchup, the Dubs have benefitted from an adept scoring trio.
Last Games Records
Golden State bested Denver, 126-106, in Game 2 on Monday night. The Warriors lead the series, 2-0. Golden State posted a 53-29 record in the regular season, while Denver was 48-34.
Matchup Information
Warriors at Denver Nuggets Betting Analysis
Golden State Warriors Betting Analysis
After sitting to heal a foot injury for a month, Stephen Curry entered off the bench for the second game in a row and poured in 34 points. The impressive output marked the first time a player in the shot clock era scored at least 30 points in a postseason tilt in 23 minutes or less.
In Steph’s stead started Jordan Poole, who followed a 30-point performance in Game 1 by bucketing 29. The Michigan product, drafted in the first round in 2019, netted 18.5 points per contest before the playoffs started.
The Dubs enjoyed 16-0 and 23-4 surges before halftime. Klay Thompson pitched in with 21 points, and Golden State filled the basket to the tune of 44 third-quarter points.
Offensive success is nothing new for the Bay Area team this go-round. They went for 124.5 points per game, the most in the league. Their 53.6 field goal percentage and 30 assists per game are tops, too.
Denver Nuggets Betting Analysis
Betting guides have Denver’s big man, Nikola Jokic, as the favorite to win the league’s MVP honors. During the regular season, he was good for a career-high 27.1 points per game. The average was the second-most in the Western Conference, behind only Dallas’ Luka Doncic.
Jokic’s 26-point effort paced his crew Monday night before being ejected for a second technical with seven minutes to play.
The Nuggets outrebounded the Warriors on both ends in Game 2. Denver pulled down 17 offensive boards, creating second chances at a higher rate than their usual 13. At one juncture, they held a 12-point advantage but gifted their hosts 18 turnovers. Golden State redeemed those for 25 points.
Expect the Nuggets to get their shots up, surely. They’re averaging 90 attempts each game. From the charity stripe, they’re over 85%.
Updates
Denver might be without Austin Rivers, who’s dealing with lower back pain. Michael Porter Jr. isn’t expected to be back in the lineup until the end of the month, at least. For the Warriors, Andre Iguodala is likely to play through neck spasms.
Here’s a look at some betting stats NBA.
- Denver is 36-47-1 against the spread
- Golden State is 43-37-4 against the spread
- The over is 46-36-2 in Nuggets games this season
- The Warriors have gone 45-19 as the favorites
- The over is 4-0 in the Warriors last four conference quarterfinal contests
Warriors at Nuggets Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Golden State as a two-point road favorite. The Warriors are -125 on the moneyline, while the Nuggets have a +105 slate. For those planning on making any more NBA picks, the over/under is marked at 224 points.
Warriors at Nuggets Betting Prediction
First and foremost, it’s a must for Jokic to keep his cool in this one. Last time around, he was frustrated for most of the game. Denver needs him on the floor to keep pace with a Warriors offense that racks up points at an impressive clip.
Even then, it feels like The Joker just doesn’t have enough help to be able to put up a fight against a lethal Golden State group. It’s not like their defense makes up for the lack of firepower, either. The Nuggets have conceded 124.5 points per outing.
It’s only a matter of time until one of the game’s most dangerous shooters reclaims his starting spot. It’s looking like the pair is interchangeable at this point. If Game 2 was any indication, the Splash Brothers – now including Poole – are back. The rest of the Western Conference would be wise to take notice.
All said, the home crowd can only provide so much assistance. Take the Dubs -2.
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