Once the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks are done with their lunch hour start time, the NBA’s Christmas Day action shifts westward for a game between the surging Golden State Warriors and the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Golden State comes in hot, winners of five straight, including Saturday at home to Portland, 126-106. Denver made quick work of its opponents on a three-game road which concluded Saturday in Charlotte where they downed the Hornets 102-95.

The Nuggets have the favour of the NBA odds, pegged at -6.5.

Warriors vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Odds

The holiday contest marks the second time this season that the northern California and Colorado franchises clash. Their first tête-à-tête was in early November, which the Nuggets won, if barely, 108-105. That was the fourth consecutive success for the Nuggets over the Warriors, dating back to last season, precisely when things started going downhill for Golden State. To be fair, three of those four victories were by five points or less.

The Warriors’ winning streak has helped improve their tally against the spread to 13-15-1. It’s nothing to write home about, but there is a lot of basketball left to be played and they have looked good the past week. Perhaps of interest given the occasion is that Stephen Curry and friends are 6-4 in their 10 most recent Christmas Day contests.

Things are not looking great ATS for the Nuggets, but teams with great expectations should be approached with caution. The numbers crunchers will always expect a lot from a team with strong credentials, so a 14-17 record, while not good, is also not entirely surprising – this for a team that’s 21-10 straight up. Denver is only 2-6 all-time on Christmas, although many recall last year’s win over the Suns, which included an unforgettable dunk from Aaron Gordon.

Denver has the fourth-best defence (110.0 points conceded per game) and allows the ninth-fewest shot attempts (87.6). The Warriors arrive making the fifth-most attempts with 90.6.

Golden State Warriors

Both the Warriors and Nuggets were involved in what some would describe as “tune-up” games on Saturday, each fanbase eagerly awaiting Monday’s festivities. For Golden State, that meant hosting the moribund Portland Trail Blazers.

Portland gave Warriors fans the willies in the first quarter, racing out to a 30-19 lead. But that mattered little given how well the Warriors have played recently despite the controversy surrounding Draymond Green (again). Curry was in fine form, performing the sort of acrobatic layups only he can with such ease, finishing with 27 points. Traditional running mate Klay Thompson, who’s struggled this year, topped the team with 28. Moreover, Golden State was a stunning 57 per cent from the field. Trayce Jackson-Davis (12 points), who is used more and more these days, had an impact in the fourth with some nice flushes. Warriors win big, 126-106.

Denver Nuggets

Matters were not quite as simple for the Nuggets in Charlotte against the Hornets. Whereas the Warriors mostly coasted at home against a lost squad, the Nuggets had to dig deep and earn a win against their weaker opponents.

Truth be told, even someone who didn’t watch the game can guess why Denver eked out a win. Look no further than the scoreboard per quarter. The first, second, and fourth quarters were narrow wins for the Hornets but the third was a 30-9 trouncing by the Nuggets. Were it not for an atrocious period for the hosts after the midway break, this could have easily featured a different result. No Nugget showcased incredible stats, but several starters all pitched in for solid numbers that made for a victory-worthy whole. Michael Porters Jr. led with 22 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 20, and Jamal Murray added 18. Make the final 102-95 for Denver.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Warriors vs. Nuggets?

WARRIORS

Away

106

NUGGETS

Home

110

Score
Predictions

Matchup