The Denver Nuggets (0-1) visit the Chase Center Monday to take on the Golden State Warriors (1-0). Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nuggets vs. Warriors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Nuggets-Warriors playoff series kicked off Saturday night with the Dubs using a +12 second quarter and +9 third quarter to pull away. The final score was 123-107. The Over hit, and the Warriors covered as 6.5-point favorites.
Golden State was led by G Jordan Poole, who scored 30 points. G Stephen Curry played just 22 minutes, scoring 16. The Warriors are 42-37-4 against the spread (ATS) this season and 6-1 ATS in the last 7.
The Nuggets watched reigning MVP C Nikola Jokic struggle. He scored 25 points, but took 25 shots and had a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Denver is 2-5 ATS in its last 7. The Nuggets are 12-10 ATS as road underdogs this season. Golden State is 21-16-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Nuggets at Warriors odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:49 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nuggets +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Warriors -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +7.5 (-122) | Warriors -7.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Nuggets at Warriors key injuries
Nuggets
- G Jamal Murray (knee) out
- F Michael Porter Jr. (spine) out
Warriors
- None
[tipico]
Nuggets at Warriors picks and predictions
Prediction
Warriors 118, Nuggets 110
Money line
PASS.
While the Warriors showed their championship DNA in Game 1, betting on them with a -320 tag doesn’t make much sense. Only Denver at +250 has value, but I’d still pass there.
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Against the spread
LEAN to the WARRIORS -7.5 (-102).
Golden State is going to be contending for a title this season.
It has everything from experience to shooting to defense, and it showed that in Game 1. Having missed Draymond Green in all 4 regular-season matchups with Denver, the importance of the four-time All-Star was in full effect.
While the Nuggets have the No. 1 effective field goal rate, the Warriors rank second in opponents’ effective field goal shooting. Golden State’s defense held Denver to 31.4% shooting 3-pointers.
The Warriors were 16-for-35 from deep, the real difference in the game as the offensive rebounding, turnovers, and field goal shooting weren’t too far apart. The Nuggets sit 10th in opponents’ 3-point shooting.
Golden State’s strengths at home should again be on display in Game 2. It was dominant throughout the course Game 1 on both ends, and I expect to see that again in Game 2.
Over/Under
BET the OVER 223.5 (-112).
The Warriors-Nuggets combined for 230 in the first game. Denver shot just 31.4% from deep as well. If the Nuggets can step up their play a bit, the Over should be a solid play.
Denver is 5-2 O/U in its last 7. The Warriors are 3-1 O/U in their last 4 and should get more contributions from Curry, who played just 22 minutes in Game 1.
Also, Jokic shot just 48% from the field. He’s hit 50% in 59 of his 74 games. I would expect him to bounce back in Game 2. Combine what Jokic should do and a more involved Curry, and the Over is the stronger play.
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