Golden State Warriors to end back-to-back in Denver vs. Nuggets
The Golden State Warriors will play the tail end of a back-to-back series when they visit the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on Saturday.
Following a 119-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday at the Golden 1 Center, the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors will head to the Mile-High City on Saturday to face the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.
Headed over former Warriors assistant coach, Michael Malone, the Denver Nuggets currently have a regular season win/loss record of 27-25, which positions them at the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
A relatively young team with a great deal of potential, the Nuggets are just a couple pieces away from becoming a consistent playoff team. In fact, it’s arguable the Nuggets would have a much better record were it not for injuries.
It wasn’t too long ago that the Warriors were the young team with potential, facing off against the much more experienced Denver Nuggets. While the tables have turned, the Warriors could very well face off once again against the Nuggets in the playoffs, which means Saturday’s game could very well end up being a first round preview.
Game Details
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets
Tip-Off: Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. PST
Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
TV: NBC Sports Bay Area
Radio: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network
Projected Starting Lineups
Denver Nuggets
PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Gary Harris
SF: Will Barton
PF: Wilson Chandler
C: Nikola Jokic
Head Coach: Michael Malone
Golden State Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Draymond Green
Head Coach: Steve Kerr
Injury Report
GSW: Shaun Livingston and David West are listed out due to personal reasons. Jordan Bell remains out due to left ankle inflammation.
DEN: Gary Harris is considered “probable” with left ankle soreness. Tyler Lydon (left knee surgery), Paul Millsap (left wrist ligament surgery) and Mason Plumlee (right calf strain) are inactive.
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Key(s) to the Game
The Golden State Warriors haven’t looked themselves as of late. They looked absolutely horrible against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, and they looked a bit lost to start their game against the Sacramento Kings last night.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the Warriors do more of the same on Saturday against the Nuggets. Not only will the Dubs be playing against the elevation in the Mile-High City, but they’ll also be trying to fight off fatigue on the tail end of a back-to-back.
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In addition, the Warriors will be without the veteran savvy of Livingston and West, both of whom are central to Golden State’s second unit.
While the Warriors will be playing in unfavorable conditions, it wouldn’t be accurate to say the odds are completely stacked against them. They are still the Warriors, after all.
The key to winning Saturday’s game against the Nuggets will start on the defensive end — namely, the defensive glass. The Nuggets currently average 11.5 offensive rebounds per game, which ranks second in the league.
The Dubs rank 30th in opponents’ offensive rebounds, giving up 11.0 a game. If they can keep Denver off the offensive glass and limit turnovers, the Warriors may just be able to pull this one out.
(All game information provided via Warriors PR)