He Denver Nuggets play the warriors of the golden state on sunday, February 22, 2026in a Western Conference game that could affect the standings. Denver is near the top of the conference. Golden State is trying to stay in the play-in race.Both teams are dealing with injuries. Denver is missing players in the guard and wing rotation. Golden State is without several regular starters, which has changed the way it plays on both ends.
Denver Nuggets injury report and Rotation vs Golden State Warriors (February 22, 2026)
The Denver Nuggets are short on depth, but still have their core core available.
Out for Sunday
• Tamar Bates (SG) – Left foot injury • Aaron Gordon (PF) – Right hamstring strain • Jalen Pickett (PG) – Right knee pain • Peyton Watson (SF) – Right hamstring strain
Questionable
• Jamal Murray (PG) – Right hamstring tightnessMurray’s status matters. If he plays, Denver runs its usual offense. If he sits out, the team will rely more on Nikola Jokić to create.
Rotation available
• Starters: Nikola Jokić, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr. • Bench: Jonas Valančiūnas, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, DaRon Holmes II, Curtis Jones
Golden State Warriors injury report and Rotation vs Denver Nuggets (February 22, 2026)
The Golden State Warriors are missing key players throughout the lineup.
Out for Sunday
• Stephen Curry (PG) – Knee problem • Seth Curry (G) – Nerve irritation • Kristaps Porziņģis (C) – Illness • Jimmy Butler III (F) – ACL injury (out for the season) • LJ Cryer (PG), Malevy Leons (F), Nate Williams (G) – Out
Rotation available
• Starters: Draymond Green, Al Horford, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton • Bench: Gary Payton II, Gui Santos, Quinten Post, Will Richard, Pat SpencerGolden State will have to share ball-handling duties and rely on defense.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Face-to-face context
Denver has won most of the recent matchups. Over the last three seasons, the Nuggets are 7-2 against the Warriors. They also lead the overall series.The first meeting of this season was on October 23, 2025. Golden State won 137-131 in overtime. Stephen Curry scored 42 points. Both teams scored easily in that game.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors team status this season
Denver Nuggets (36-21)
• One of the best attacks in the league. • Defense is average • Nikola Jokić averages more than 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists
Golden State Warriors (29-27)
• The offense has fallen without Curry • The defense has been more stable • Negative scoring margin this season
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors: what to watch on February 22
Denver has the advantage inside. With Porziņģis and Butler out, Jokić should have room to operate.If Murray doesn’t play, Denver will need more from Braun, Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown. Golden State will rely on Melton, Podziemski and Payton II to handle the ball.Both teams can play fast and shoot from three. Denver may choose to slow the game down and go for Jokić.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Betting Line and Outlook (February 22, 2026)
Denver is favored by about 6.5 points. The total is close to 230.Golden State is missing too many key players. Denver still has injury concerns, but has the strongest lineup available for this game.
