On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Denver Nuggets will face the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco at 10:00 PM EST, but they will do so without their two biggest stars, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who have been ruled out with injuries.
The Nuggets, currently sitting at 43 wins and 25 losses, are coming off a disappointing loss against the Washington Wizards, where they fell short 126-123. Their performance has raised concerns, especially as they are now expected to battle one of the hottest teams in the league, the Golden State Warriors, who boast an impressive record of 39 wins and 28 losses and are currently on a seven-game winning streak.
Head coach Michael Malone confirmed earlier, "It’ll be confirmed soon," about the availability of his stars but sounded pessimistic, indicating he doubted either Jokic or Murray would be able to suit up for tonight's game. This uncertainty is difficult news for Nuggets fans, especially considering the current playoff race.
The absence of Jokic, who has played at an MVP level this season with averages of 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game, will significantly impact Denver's chances. Coach Malone noted Jokic's challenges, having dealt with multiple injuries lately. Just days prior to their encounter with the Warriors, Jokic shut down discussions surrounding his potential rest, declaring emphatically, "Hell, no!" when asked if he would sit out. Unfortunately for both him and the Nuggets, the grind of the season has proved to be too taxing.
The Nuggets have dropped four of their last eight games, illustrating their struggles even when Jokic was on the court. Currently, they have posted a -2.8 net rating over their last ten games, raising questions about their competitiveness as they head toward the playoffs.
Conversely, the Warriors have been surging since the All-Star break, winning 13 of their last 15 games, which has included their recent seven-game win streak. Their defensive unit has been outstanding, ranking second in the NBA with a defensive rating of 108.0 during this impressive stretch.
Golden State’s success can be credited to their strategic adaptations and the remarkable play of star guard Stephen Curry, who has stepped up significantly. Recently, he led the Warriors to a 97-94 victory over the New York Knicks with a team-high 28 points. Draymond Green’s clutch plays have also been pivotal for the Warriors, including securing the win over the Knicks with timely offensive contributions.
Now, with the absence of Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets’ lineup will look very different. They will need to rely heavily on players like Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook to carry the load offensively, alongside others stepping up to fill the gap left by their star players.
The odds are currently favoring the Warriors, with the latest line showing the Nuggets listed at +166 and the Warriors at -201; the spread is set at Warriors -5, and the over/under sits at 236 points. This gives the Nuggets and estimated point total of 117.06, against the Warriors' 119.67. Brad Thomas, betting expert, expressed optimism for the Nuggets, leaning toward the Nuggets +4.5, stating, "Despite the Warriors winning five games straight, they are just 1-3-1 against the spread. This is a big game for the Nuggets, and they won't take the Warriors lightly."
With Denver's recent struggles highlighted by their loss against the Wizards, there is mounting pressure for them to find solutions without their star players. The coaching staff will undoubtedly have to draw on all their experience to navigate through this rough patch. Fans will be eager to see how the Nuggets respond and whether they can put up a fight against the formidable Warriors, who now have the perfect opportunity to capitalize on Denver's significant setbacks.
With the playoff race heating up, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Warriors, no longer deemed to be having their season slip away, have set their eyes on securing home-court advantage, presenting yet another challenge for the Nuggets as they look to stay afloat amid adversity.
Overall, this clash at Chase Center is shaping up to be more than just another regular-season game—it's pivotal for both teams. For the Nuggets, it’s about survival and keeping their playoff hopes alive without their star duo. Meanwhile, for the Warriors, it’s about momentum and positioning as the regular season nears its end. This game is not just another matchup—it’s a moment of realization for Denver and golden opportunity for Golden State to solidify their playoff ambitions.
