Free NBA Pick: Nuggets vs. Warriors NBA Odds
Looking for Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Nuggets taking on the Warriors on Monday, April 18th, 2022 at the Chase Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Nuggets Warriors matchup.
2022 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 1
(0-1) Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors (1-0)
Date: Monday, April 18th
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Nuggets +255 | Warriors -274 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Warriors -7
NBA Betting Total: 224.5
Monday, April 18th, the sixth-place Denver Nuggets, and the third-place Golden State Warriors play Game 2 of the series. The Warriors took the first match 123-107.
Denver won the 2021-22 season series 3-1 with victories on December 28th (89-86, February 16th (117-116), and March 7th (131-124) while Golden State won on March 10th (113-102).
The Nuggets have won 100 of the 185 matches played versus the Warriors all-time however in the postseason the Warriors took the only meeting between the clubs 4-2 in the 2013 first-round series.
Denver Nuggets
As I noted leading into the series injuries could be key and just this morning ESPN ran an article noting Michael Porter Jr. is feeling he could make a return in this series.
So, I just decided that if I feel perfect, I’m going to come back. If not, I’m going to take my time.” When asked how his body feels now, Porter said: “I feel close to [perfect].”
His presence would be a boon for the Nuggets who didn’t have enough weapons to match the Warriors in Game 1.
To that end, the absence of two of the Nuggets top talents was fully evidenced in Game 1 by how much extra pressure that puts on Nikola Jokic. He delivered a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds, plus six assists, three steals and a block.
Will Barton scored 24 while Monte Morris and rookie Bones Hyland each chipped in 10 as the only other double-figurte contributors. Denver will need much more from everyone not named Jokic if they want to make this a series that lasts longer than four or five games.
Facundo Campazzo (returning from suspension) is probable for Monday. Murray (ACL) and Porter Jr (back) are out indefinitely.
Golden State Warriors
Although Stephen Curry returned for the opener of the series he wasn’t the main story of the blowout victory. The sharpshooter came in as a reserve as the Dubs ease him back into form and monitor his playing time.
Initially, the rust was obvious but as Curry found his rhythm the ball began to find its mark as he finished with 16 points on 5 of 13 while hitting half his 3-pointers (3 of 6).
Arguably, the big story was Jordan Poole in his first-ever playoff performance leading the scoring on a highly efficient 9 of 13 and 5 of 7 from deep for 30 points. Klay Thompson also seems to have rediscovered his consistency offering 19 points including 5 of 10 triples.
Other notables were Draymond Green who looked more like his pre-injury self, particularly on defense and per typical impacted all levels of the game with 12 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks.
Even Andrew Wiggins delivered registering a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds.
James Wiseman (knee) is done for the season.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Denver are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games.
- Golden State are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of Denver’s last 14 games.
- Golden State are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games.
- Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog.
- Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Free Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Prediction:
Jokic was brilliant, but it punctuated just how much of the production the Joker is tasked with carrying.
While the Warriors are deep they also have more than one star and copious specialists they can rely on. Denver head coach Mike Malone and Jokic don’t have nearly as many options.
Although the Warriors did their job by winning at home it was only a single game. Denver doesn’t care if they lost by one point or 50 – they lost – it’s time for Game 2 and a win would give them an edge especially with their home court altitude advantage.
It’s not a series until one team wins on the road – this is the Nuggets opportunity to be that squad but require major adjustments by Malone.
In contrast, Steve Kerr’s biggest decision is whether to put Curry back in the starting rotation or keep Poole in that spot given his dominance in game one. And that highlights why the Warriors will win again, but this time the Nuggets will keep it closer.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Nuggets +7
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