Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.22.26

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.22.26

A high-stakes Western Conference clash unfolds this Sunday as the Denver Nuggets (36-21) travel to the Chase Center to face the Golden State Warriors (29-27). Scheduled for 02.22.26 at 3:30 PM, this matchup features two squads grappling with significant injury concerns while fighting for crucial playoff positioning in a crowded conference landscape.

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Matchup Preview

Denver Nuggets Key Stats & Trends

The Nuggets remain a juggernaut behind the historic production of Nikola Jokic. Denver’s offense revolves entirely around the Serbian center, who is currently averaging a triple-double. However, the Nuggets’ depth is being severely tested with the loss of their primary defensive anchor and several key rotational pieces.

• Points: Nikola Jokic (28.6)
• Rebounds: Nikola Jokic (12.3)
• Assists: Nikola Jokic (10.5)
• Rating: Nikola Jokic (28.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG)

Injury Report Denver Nuggets

• Jamal Murray (Day-to-day): Murray is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Warriors due to right hamstring tightness.
• Jalen Pickett (Out): Pickett (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Warriors.
• Peyton Watson (Out): Watson is expected to miss at least four weeks with his Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
• Aaron Gordon (Out): Gordon (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks.
• Tamar Bates (Out): The Nuggets announced Monday that Bates (foot) will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

Golden State Warriors Key Stats & Trends

The Warriors are entering a “next man up” phase with their backcourt decimated. Brandin Podziemski has stepped into a larger scoring role, while Draymond Green remains the emotional and tactical heartbeat of the defense. The probable return of Kristaps Porzingis provides a much-needed interior presence against Jokic.

• Points: Brandin Podziemski (12.0)
• Rebounds: Draymond Green (5.7)
• Assists: Draymond Green (5.1)
• Rating: Brandin Podziemski (12.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG)

Injury Report Golden State Warriors

• Kristaps Porzingis (Day-to-day): Porzingis (Achilles) is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Nuggets.
• Stephen Curry (Out): Curry will have his right knee injury re-evaluated by medical staff in 10 days.
• Seth Curry (Out): Curry (sciatica) will be re-evaluated in about two weeks.
• L.J. Cryer (Out): Cryer (hamstring) is out.
• Jimmy Butler III (Out): Butler underwent successful surgery Monday to repair a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Prediction & Best Bet

While the Nuggets boast the best player on the floor in Jokic, the absence of Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson leaves them vulnerable on the wings. The Warriors, despite missing Stephen Curry, tend to play with high intensity at home. With Kristaps Porzingis likely returning to stretch the floor, Golden State has enough firepower to keep this within a single possession.

Expect a high-scoring affair as Denver’s depleted bench struggles to contain Golden State’s pace. Our definitive pick is Golden State Warriors +5.5 (Spread), and we recommend the over on the 229.5 total points line.