Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors Picks and Prediction, Thursday, October 23, 2025
Use Code WWWC The Denver Nuggets (0-0) will open their NBA season against the Golden State Warriors (1-0) in a matchup featuring future Hall of Famers in this Nuggets vs. Warriors prediction. The Nuggets won two of their three meetings last season. Denver took Oklahoma City to seven games in last year's Western Conference Semifinals, but lost in the deciding game. The Warriors are looking to build off their opening night win over the Lakers, where they won 119-109 as 2.5-point road favorites. Tipoff is set for 10:00 EST and can be found on ESPN. See below for our Nuggets vs. Warriors prediction, and start the season off right with our NBA Picks!
Denver Reloads Their Roster
It has been two full seasons since the Denver Nuggets took home the NBA Championship, but Nikola Jokic is still in his prime, and the front office made some roster moves they believe will help the team get back to the top. The Nuggets traded away Michael Porter Jr., who had been a starter on their team for several seasons, and also let Russell Westbrook walk in free agency. Their biggest acquisitions include Cameron Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown.
The Nuggets will still rise and fall with the play of Nikola Jokic, the big man finished last season with historic numbers of 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 10.2 APG. He was top three in the NBA in all three categories, but did not get the MVP Award as the league gave it to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his rise to fame. The Nuggets rested Jokic and some other starters in their final preseason game, but the big man is expected to play here. His running mate will yet again be Jamal Murray, who has been a stronger postseason performer than he is in the regular season, but the 6'4 guard still averaged 21.4 PPG and 6.0 APG last season. Aaron Gordon is back as a strong athlete who can guard multiple positions and is a handful around the rim.
Cameron Johnson will likely take the small forward spot vacated by Porter Jr. Johnson shot 39.0% from deep last season while scoring 18.8 PPG with the Nets. The Nuggets extended Christian Braun, so he will likely remain in the starting lineup at the 2-guard spot. Valanciunas, Hardaway Jr., and Peyton Watson will get the first shot to make an impact off the bench.
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Injury Report: None listed that will impact the rotation.
Warriors Open Strong
The Golden State Warriors are not playing their season debut, as they already hit the floor on opening night against the Lakers. LeBron James did not play for Los Angeles, but Luka Doncic still put up 43 points, but it was not enough as the Warriors were able to steal a ten-point road win to open the season. Steph Curry is back for his 17th season in the NBA and is looking to add to his impressive resume, which includes four NBA Championships, two MVPs, and 11 All-Star appearances.
Curry hit three three-pointers in the season opener, finishing with 23 points and four assists in the victory. His strong night was overshadowed by another veteran, as Jimmy Butler led the way with 31 points for Golden State. Butler is still willing to attack the basket as a 36-year-old and finished the game going 16-16 from the free throw line. Butler also added five rebounds and four assists. Jonathan Kuminga is still finding his spot in the rotation, but had a strong showing in the opener with 17 points and nine rebounds while starting the game as their small forward.
Draymond Green had one of his typical performances, as the veteran finished with eight points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Brandin Podziemski rounded out the starting lineup but finished with only seven points as their two-guard. Buddy Hield had the biggest game off the bench, making five threes on his way to 17 points.
Injury Report:
Out: Moses Moody, De'Anthony Melton
Nuggets vs. Warriors picks
Spread pick and prediction for Nuggets vs. Warriors
- Nuggets -1.5 (5 units)
This is a strong spot for the Nuggets, as they have the rest advantage and a clear size advantage on the inside. The Nuggets did not play Jokic, Murray or Gordon in their preseason finale, so all three will be at full strength for this showdown. The Warriors finally parted ways with Kevon Looney in the offseason, but this took away their biggest body on the inside, as they started Green, Butler, and Kuminga in the frontcourt against the Lakers. That lineup is not sustainable against Jokic on the inside. They can try more minutes with veteran Al Horford, but that is an incomplete answer for the Joker. Denver will adjust to life with Cameron Johnson quickly, as he will play the same role that Michael Porter Jr. did when he was with the team. The Nuggets will be too much on the inside and grab a win on the road.
Take the Nuggets to win and cover.
Over/Under Pick for Nuggets vs. Warriors
- Under 232.5 (4 units)
Golden State will be the more fatigued team, while Denver will want to slow this game down and utilize their advantage in the paint. Denver will look to use the Joker on all possessions, as Draymond Green is no longer a quality match for the big man on the inside. The Nuggets have also proven they know how to isolate Gordon with mismatches in the post, so expect Denver to hunt out switches and find opportunities on the inside. Golden State is a veteran team that will not be playing at 100 mph every night when three of its best players are older than 35. Expect a slow game here.
Take the under.
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