The Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are set to clash once again in a pivotal Western Conference matchup, with tipoff scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. This marks the third of four regular-season meetings between these two storied franchises, and if the previous games are any indication, fans are in for a high-octane showdown.
Earlier in the season, these teams split their first two contests. The Warriors claimed a thrilling 137-131 overtime victory on opening night, only for the Nuggets to respond with a dominant 129-104 win in their second encounter on November 7, 2025. The all-time series leans in Denver’s favor, with the Nuggets holding a 110-87 edge, but the Warriors have shown they can rise to the occasion—especially at home.
Both teams enter this matchup navigating a minefield of injuries and roster adjustments. The Nuggets, currently third in the Western Conference with a 36-21 record, are fresh off a resounding 157-103 road win against the Portland Trail Blazers. That performance came on the heels of a narrow 115-114 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, illustrating Denver’s resilience and offensive firepower. The Warriors, meanwhile, have slipped to eighth in the conference at 29-27, reeling from a two-game losing streak that includes a recent 121-110 home defeat to the Boston Celtics.
Injuries loom large over both squads. Denver will be without Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon, both sidelined by hamstring injuries. Jalen Pickett (knee) and Tamar Bates (foot) are also out, while Jamal Murray, the newly minted All-Star, is questionable due to right hamstring tightness. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has had to lean on his depth, with players like Christian Braun, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, Spencer Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas stepping up in crucial moments. Cameron Johnson, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray (if cleared), Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther are the probable starters for the Nuggets.
Golden State’s injury report is even more daunting. Steph Curry, the face of the franchise, is set to miss his seventh consecutive game with a knee injury. Jimmy Butler is out for the season after suffering an ACL tear, while Seth Curry (sciatica) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will also be absent. The Warriors are expected to start Draymond Green, Gui Santos, De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and Pat Spencer. With so many key players unavailable, head coach Steve Kerr will rely heavily on the likes of Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Moses Moody to shoulder the offensive load.
Despite the depleted lineups, the Nuggets enter as clear favorites. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Denver is favored by 6.5 to 7.5 points, with moneyline odds at -270 for the Nuggets and +220 for the Warriors. The over/under for total points is set at 227.5, and the SportsLine Projection Model expects the game to go over that mark, projecting a combined total of 239 points. The model also forecasts Denver’s Nikola Jokic to score around 28.1 points, with four Nuggets players expected to reach double figures. For the Warriors, the model projects four players to score at least 14.2 points, but the absence of Curry and Porzingis could make that a tall order.
Nikola Jokic remains the engine that drives Denver’s success. The three-time MVP is averaging a staggering 28.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game, leading the NBA in rebounds and assists while orchestrating the league’s top-ranked offense. The Nuggets average 120.9 points per game, lead the NBA in offensive rating, and are first in three-point percentage. Defensively, they allow 116.1 points per game, ranking 17th, but their offensive prowess often overshadows any defensive lapses.
Jamal Murray, if available, will be a key factor. He’s posting 25.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game in his breakout All-Star season. However, his status remains uncertain due to ongoing hamstring concerns. In his absence, Denver’s supporting cast has proven capable, with Christian Braun and Julian Strawther providing timely scoring and defensive versatility.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are averaging 115.4 points per game, ranking 16th in the NBA. They boast the most three-point attempts in the league, but their field goal percentage ranks just 22nd. On the defensive side, Golden State allows 113.8 points per game, placing them 11th overall. The team’s current struggles can be traced directly to the absence of Steph Curry, whose scoring and playmaking are irreplaceable. With Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis also unavailable, the Warriors will need significant contributions from their bench and role players just to keep pace with Denver’s high-octane attack.
Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton have shown flashes of potential, averaging 12.0 and 11.9 points per game respectively. Moses Moody, Draymond Green, and Gui Santos will have to step up both offensively and defensively to compensate for the missing stars. The Warriors have gone just 3-7 against the spread in their last ten games, while the Nuggets are 4-6 ATS in the same span. Both teams have seen the over hit frequently—eight of Denver’s last ten games and each of Golden State’s last three have gone over the total.
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and streamed live on Fubo. The matchup is not only a test of depth and adaptability but could also have significant playoff implications as both teams jockey for position in the crowded Western Conference standings.
As the Nuggets look to extend their latest victory into a streak and the Warriors hope to halt their slide, all eyes will be on Nikola Jokic and the supporting casts. With so many key players sidelined, can Golden State’s home-court advantage and next-man-up mentality pull off an upset, or will Denver’s offensive firepower prove too much to handle?
One thing’s for certain: with playoff seeding on the line and both teams fighting through adversity, this Sunday afternoon showdown promises drama, intensity, and plenty of points. The action tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET, and for NBA fans, it’s a must-watch battle in the Bay Area.