The primetime schedule for what could have been a major matchup between two of the greatest players of all time is, like so many games this season, being derailed by key injuries. Jimmy Butler is out for the rest of the season and Steph Curry was ruled out as of yesterday. Then, at 10:45 a.m., word spread that the Warriors’ new acquisition, Kristaps Porzingis, was also being recalled.
It seems likely that the Nuggets will hold out for Murray now, who is dealing with a number of knocks, including a minor hamstring issue. Expect Christian Braun and Cam Johnson to have plenty of run as they continue to work to regain their midseason form, and let’s hope the same killer mentality on display in Friday night’s blowout of Portland puts this game out of reach quickly.
The basics
WHO: Denver Nuggets (36-21) vs. Golden State Warriors (29-27)
When: 1:30 pm Eastern Time
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco
How to watch/listen: ABC/ESPN/Altitude Radio
Rival blog: golden mood
Injury report | Jamal Murray—questionable (hamstring); Nuggets: Aaron Gordon—out (hamstring); Jalen Pickett—out (knee); Peyton Watson—out (hamstring)
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome); Kristaps Porzingis—out (Achilles); Jimmy Butler III—out (ACL); Seth Curry—out (back)
The three things
What to keep in mind: Draymond vs. Jokic
With his team at a huge disadvantage in prime time, the game could become the Draymond Green show. The defensive stalwart and provocateur certainly doesn’t shy away from a challenge, nor does he seem to enjoy anything as much as trying to take a bite out of opposing superstars. The longer the Nuggets leave the Warriors, the more annoying Draymond will likely become as he tries to pick up the pace as much as possible.
Jokic, of course, has never had a problem with Green, who is simply too small for 15 to feel. According to Stat Muse, Draymond has been eaten over the last 10 games, averaging nearly a triple double on 29/13/8 with good efficiency. Without proper help here, the lopsided trend is unlikely to be reversed if the Nuggets handle their business.
What to remember: The Nuggets are a bad team right now
This team has consistently failed to deliver in one-possession games this season, a trend that continued this week against the Clippers. A lot has been said about it, a lot of it is probably noise, and a reversal of the situation is probably on the way. But maybe just don’t let an overmatched team hang around, at least for the sake of the fans?
What to bet: Jokic triple double
It’s hard to imagine this not being a positive R:R. Neither Steph, nor Butler, and an undersized size that has never given Jokic many problems. With Murray likely to be rested, the offensive burden will fall squarely on the Joker, and the Warriors don’t have the size to keep him off the glass. Look for a big BITW game, assuming the Nuggets don’t have a 30-point lead at the half.
