Denver (43-21) at Golden State (44-20)
When: Friday, March 8th, 2019
Where: Oracle Arena,
Oakland, California
Time: 10:35 ET | TV: ESPN
Opening Odds: Golden State -5.5/234
The Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets are more than likely going to be the top two seeds in the Western Conference come playoff time, but which one will earn the No. 1 spot? Friday’s matchup between the two could go a long way in determining that, as the Warriors hold a slim one game lead over the Nuggets with both teams struggling a bit recently. Golden State suffered its worst home loss under head coach Steve Kerr the other night when they Boston Celtics ripped through the Warriors defense for a 128-95 triumph. Golden State has dropped five of their last eight overall and have allowed 123 points or more in half of those games and are trying to avoid a rare three-game home losing streak. Denver has been unable to take advantage of the Warriors’ recent woes by dropping three straight until a 115-99 road victory over the fading Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The teams have split the first two meetings this season with Golden State winning the most recent one 142-111 in Denver and will play again in Oakland on April 2nd.
All five starters scored in double-digits Wednesday in helping Denver break their three-game skid and it was Gary Harris who led the way with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting. The starting backcourt of Harris, Jamal Murray and Will Barton combined to hit 10 of Denver’s 13 3-pointers in the win as the Nuggets shot 45.9 percent from the field – still below their 46.8 percent average. The defense allowed L.A. to shoot 47.6 percent overall, but the Nuggets were great on the glass, outrebounding LeBron and company 55-41 and Denver committed just eight turnovers. The Nuggets will get three days off after Friday’s game in Oakland and open a three-game homestand against Minnesota on Tuesday.
The Celtics got off to a big lead against Golden State and never let up, shooting 51 percent from the floor, 41.2 percent from three-point land, and drained 16-of-17 free throws. The Warriors seemed disinterested all night and shot just 40 percent, and Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins were a combined 0-for-10 from long range. Golden State also played without star guard Klay Thompson (knee), who is expected to play in Friday’s pivotal game. Curry led the team with 23 points in Tuesday’s loss. Golden State will wrap-up their three-game homestand with Phoenix on Sunday.
The Warriors seem a little bored right now, but they know this is a big game for them. The last time these two teams met it was all Golden State and I think this group will be focused a ready to go. Lay the points.
Pick: Warriors -6.5
Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nuggets are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Friday games.
Nuggets are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games.
Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
Warriors are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 vs. NBA Northwest.
Warriors are 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 vs. Western Conference.
Warriors are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Warriors are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Warriors are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-0 in Nuggets last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 7-0 in Nuggets last 7 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 road games.
Under is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 games following a straight up win.
Under is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 7-0 in Nuggets last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-0 in Nuggets last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-3 in Nuggets last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 5-0 in Warriors last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 overall.
Under is 8-2 in Warriors last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Under is 11-4 in Warriors last 15 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 19-7-1 in Warriors last 27 games following a straight up loss.
Nuggets are 5-0-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Golden State.
Over is 12-3 in the last 15 meetings.
Nuggets are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 25-9 in the last 34 meetings in Golden State.
Road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
