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Golden State Warriors officially set to take on Denver Nuggets in first round

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Klay Thompson #11 and Draymond Green #23 after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on April 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Klay Thompson #11 and Draymond Green #23 after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on April 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are set to take on the Denver Nuggets in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, and there really couldn’t have been a better first-round matchup for the Dubs. The Nuggets finished 6th in the Western Conference.

They’ve struggled for some of the season as the organization is heavily dependent on reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.

The Golden State Warriors first-round opponent is officially set, and they’ll be faced with the Denver Nuggets which are led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic.

Jamal Murray has missed the entire season while Michael Porter Jr. has missed several months. It does not appear they’re expected to return for the playoffs, but it seems all options are still being left on the table.

As for the Warriors, they fended off the Mavericks and are able to sit 3rd in the West.

Despite not having Stephen Curry for the last several weeks, the Warriors did manage to keep their spot in the standings, winning their last 5 games following a tough few-week streak in which they had to adjust to life without the two-time MVP.

The consensus still seems that Curry is going to be ready for the playoffs which should be a huge relief for the Warriors. However, given the play of potential Most Improved Player candidate Jordan Poole, they’ve been able to sustain their spot in the West.

Golden State started off the season extremely hot which also boded well for them down the stretch as All-Star forward Draymond Green missed about two months and Thompson didn’t take the court for the first half of the season.

The Warriors being at the point they are is mightily impressive, and with the Nuggets as their first-round opponent and homecourt advantage, they should be set to get out of the first series.

Denver’s lack of elite scoring will be a huge factor as former Defensive Player of the Year Green should be able to limit Jokic’s ability to play bully ball in the paint. The Nuggets also aren’t nearly as strong defensively as the Jazz.

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Denver has the 15th-best defensive rating and may struggle to contain a dynamic Warriors attack. Nevertheless, the first game of the series is set for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be at the Chase Center.

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