Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors
PREVIEW: The Golden State Warriors arrive at Ball Arena as a team built on high-frequency three-point shooting, ranking third in the league with a 49.2% three-point attempt rate, though they struggle with offensive rebounding at 25th. Coming off a 5-4 record that masks deeper issues, the Warriors recently fell to Sacramento 121-116, exposing vulnerabilities that intensify without key contributors. Stephen Curry remains sidelined due to illness, stripping the Warriors of their primary facilitator and scoring punch. Despite averaging just 117.4 points per game this season, Golden State still leads the NBA in three-pointers made per contest at 16.4, showcasing their commitment to perimeter play even when efficiency falters.
Denver counters with elite offensive execution across multiple dimensions, ranking first in efficient three-point shooting and attacking the rim, complemented by exceptional passing ranked second in the league. The Nuggets' 5-2 record reflects their dominance at home, reinforced by a recent 122-112 victory over Miami where Nikola Jokic delivered a masterclass with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists. Offensively, Denver ranks second in scoring with 124.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 50.3% from the floor, third-best in the association. Their defensive composition further solidifies their position, as they defend the three-point line effectively and maintain a low turnover rate ranked fifth, limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents.