The Denver Nuggets are flexing all over the NBA, but can they do that against the Golden State Warriors this Thursday? Or, will Stephen Curry and the rest of the Warriors humble the defending champs in Mile High City?

Catch this game live on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11 AM, Manila time

Away: Golden State Warriors (6-2/5-1 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Stephen Curry
  • Klay Thompson
  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Draymond Green (questionable)
  • Kevon Looney

The Warriors showed the young Detroit Pistons that they’re still not too old to win a battle, with Stephen Curry and company stealing a 120-109 victory in Motor City last Tuesday. That was a great way for the Warriors to rebound from a 115-104 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers a day before. On the season, the Warriors are averaging 116.1 points per game, which is only good for 13th in the league. When adjusted per 100 possessions and strength of schedule, though, the Warriors are seventh in the league with 113.9 points average.

 And because Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are still lethal from deep, the Warriors continue to thrive in space, made easier by excellent ball-sharing. The Warriors are fourth in the NBA with a 66.9 AST%. Lots of teams have adapted and patterned their offense after the Warriors over the last several years but they can’t clone a Curry or a Thompson, which is also why Golden State is still among the best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, with 14.3 triples buried per contest.

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Home: Denver Nuggets (7-1/5-0 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jamal Murray 
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • Michael Porter Jr.
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Nikola Jokic 

The Nuggets are doing a terrific job so far in proving that they’re a dynasty in the making. Denver, which is currently on a three-game win streak after embarrassing the New Orleans Pelicans at home last Tuesday, 134-116, is finding success while looking effortless in doing it. You can pretty much say the same about Nikola Jokic, the unquestioned driving force of the Nuggets, whose offense is 10th in the league with 117.0 points per game and second with a 116.6 adjusted offensive rating.

Stopping Jokic is going to be a tough assignment for the Warriors, especially if they miss the services of Draymond Green, who is questionable to play this Thursday for personal reasons. Jokic is averaging 28.4 points on 63.3 percent shooting from the field, 12.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists. Apart from their offense, the Nuggets are also feeding off their great defense which is fourth in the NBA with just 106.1 points allowed per game and fourth in defensive effective field goal percentage (51.0%)

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Nuggets (-3.5) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (227.5) hits the Under.

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