The Denver Nuggets are set to face the Golden State Warriors for the third time this season, with the game taking place on Thursday. The Nuggets have secured two victories against the Warriors in their previous encounters this season, both of which were played at home. However, this upcoming game will mark the first time the Nuggets will play the Warriors on the road.
Looking at the injury report, the Denver Nuggets will be without Vlatko Čančar due to left knee surgery, while Reggie Jackson is listed as probable with left calf tightness. Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson are both out on G League assignment. On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors will be missing Draymond Green due to a league suspension, and Gary Payton II due to a left hamstring strain.
In their most recent matchup on Christmas Day, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious with a 120-114 win, with Jamal Murray delivering an impressive performance, scoring 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Prior to that, the Nuggets secured a win in early November with Nikola Jokić leading the charge, putting up 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists.
One notable aspect of the Nuggets’ strategy has been their success in containing the Warriors’ key players, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The ‘Splash Bros’ have struggled against the Nuggets, shooting at a combined 33.8 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from deep in the two games played. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s defensive pressure on Curry and Michael Porter Jr.’s effective defense against Thompson have significantly impacted the Warriors’ performance.
The upcoming game against the Warriors will kickstart Denver’s ninth back-to-back of the season, making them the team with the most back-to-back games in the NBA. Following this matchup, the Nuggets will play the Orlando Magic at home on Friday night.
With 10 wins in their last 12 games, the Nuggets are just 1 game behind the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Fans can catch the action on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. MT, with the game being broadcasted on TNT and 92.5FM.
