The Denver Nuggets are rolling into San Francisco this Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026, ready to take on the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference clash that has all the makings of a must-watch NBA showdown. The game tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) at the Chase Center and will be broadcast nationally on ABC, with live streaming available on FuboTV, DirecTV, SlingTV, and ESPN Unlimited. As both teams gear up, the storylines swirling around this matchup are as compelling as the action sure to unfold on the hardwood.
The Nuggets arrive with a sparkling 36-21 record, holding the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Their confidence is sky-high after a jaw-dropping offensive display on Friday night, when they demolished the Portland Trail Blazers 157-103. That 157-point outburst wasn’t just an NBA season-high—it shattered Denver’s franchise record for most points scored in a road win. Nikola Jokić, the team’s do-it-all superstar, was at his brilliant best, tallying 32 points, seven assists, and four steals in just 29 minutes before the game was out of reach. Jamal Murray poured in 25 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Julian Strawther each contributed 19 off the bench. Spencer Jones rounded out the effort with a double-double, notching 10 points and 10 rebounds.
On the season, Jokić has been nothing short of sensational. He’s averaging 28.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game, leading the entire NBA in both rebounds and assists. That’s MVP-level production, and it’s fueling Denver’s playoff push. Jamal Murray isn’t far behind, delivering a career-best 25.6 points per game. The Nuggets’ offense is humming, and their recent performance has sent a clear message to the rest of the league: underestimate them at your own risk.
But while Denver is surging, Golden State finds itself in a far more precarious position. The Warriors are 29-27 on the season and have stumbled out of the All-Star break. Their most recent outing was a 121-110 home loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday, February 19. Boston took control early, racing out to a 74-51 halftime lead, and although the Warriors trimmed the deficit to 11 in the fourth quarter, the hole was just too deep. The loss marked Golden State’s fifth defeat in their last seven games, raising questions about their depth and cohesion—especially without their franchise cornerstone, Stephen Curry.
Curry remains sidelined with a right knee bone bruise and patella-femoral pain syndrome, and he’s expected to miss at least another week. It’s been six straight games without the two-time MVP, and the Warriors’ offense has struggled to find its rhythm in his absence. Jimmy Butler III is out for the season with a torn ACL, further depleting Golden State’s star power. In their stead, Brandin Podziemski has emerged as the team’s top scoring option, averaging 12.0 points per game, followed closely by De’Anthony Melton at 11.9. Draymond Green continues to contribute across the board with 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per contest.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope for Warriors fans. Kristaps Porzingis, acquired in a recent trade, made his team debut against Boston and showed flashes of his potential impact. He scored 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench, including two deep three-pointers, an assist, and a block. While Porzingis is still shaking off the rust after a month-long layoff, his integration into Golden State’s system—especially in a matchup against Jokić—will be closely watched. The projected starting lineup for the Warriors features Pat Spencer, De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and Draymond Green, while the Nuggets are expected to start Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, Cameron Johnson, and Nikola Jokić.
This game is the third meeting between the two teams this season. They’ve split home wins thus far, with the last matchup taking place on November 7, 2025, in Denver. Sunday’s contest offers the Nuggets a chance to take the season series and further cement their status as one of the West’s elite squads. For the Warriors, it’s an opportunity to steady the ship and prove they can compete with the conference’s best, even without Curry running the show.
One key variable for Denver is the status of Jamal Murray. He’s been listed as questionable for the game due to a hamstring issue, and his availability will likely be determined closer to tip-off. Even if Murray is limited or unable to go, the Nuggets have demonstrated they possess enough offensive firepower to challenge a Warriors team that has struggled to generate consistent scoring in recent weeks.
Golden State’s struggles have been pronounced since Curry’s injury. Without their offensive engine, the Warriors have had to rely on a patchwork rotation. De’Anthony Melton led the team with 18 points against Boston, while Gui Santos and Will Richard each chipped in 17. Al Horford grabbed eight rebounds, and Pat Spencer handed out seven assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Celtics’ depth and execution. The Warriors’ defense, long a hallmark of their championship runs, has also looked vulnerable, particularly in transition and against elite big men—a category Jokić certainly dominates.
For Denver, the challenge will be maintaining their offensive momentum on the road. The Nuggets are 21-10 away from home, an impressive mark that speaks to their resilience and focus. Their 157-point explosion against Portland was no fluke; seven players reached double figures in that contest, showcasing a balanced attack that can hurt teams in a variety of ways. Jokić, as always, is the focal point, but the supporting cast has stepped up when needed, providing critical scoring and energy off the bench.
With the playoff race heating up, every game takes on added significance. The Nuggets are jockeying for seeding in the crowded Western Conference, while the Warriors are fighting to stay above .500 and secure a postseason berth. The absence of Curry looms large, but Golden State’s home crowd at Chase Center remains one of the league’s most passionate and could provide the spark the Warriors need to pull off an upset.
As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on the stars—both present and absent. Can Jokić continue his MVP-caliber campaign and lead the Nuggets to another statement win? Will Porzingis make a bigger impact in his second appearance for the Warriors? And can Golden State find enough offense to keep pace with Denver’s high-octane attack?
With so much on the line and both teams hungry for a statement victory, Sunday’s matchup promises fireworks. Whether you’re tuning in for the star power, the playoff implications, or just the love of the game, this is one NBA clash you won’t want to miss. As the Nuggets and Warriors take the floor in San Francisco, the stage is set for another memorable chapter in their growing rivalry. The action is about to unfold, and the outcome is anything but certain.