Why the Warriors vs. Nuggets Showdown Is a Must-Watch

From an NBA Cup standpoint, the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets matchup on Tuesday doesn’t matter so much. The Warriors and Dallas Mavericks have already clinched the first and second seed in the Western Conference’s Group C, and even if the Nuggets win, they are incredibly unlikely to advance as the lone wildcard.

If the Warriors lose, their point differential is such that they would likely fall behind the Mavericks, but their ticket to the next round is already punched. Still, tonight’s nationally televised matchup is still must-watch TV.

The Warriors are riding a rough four-game losing streak and have relinquished the top spot in the Western Conference. On the other side of the coin, the Nuggets are a disappointing 10-8 and are trying to right the ship, and this game is circled as a prime opportunity to get a statement win.

Should the Warriors lose tonight, they could, in theory, slip to the eighth seed in a single evening. The odds of the Warriors losing and the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers all winning are +306, according to FanDuel, so it’s unlikely but definitely possible.

The Warriors haven’t lost five games in a row in over a year, so falling tonight, especially after their very hot start, would be damning. With a lot to play for, expect Golden State to throw everything and the kitchen sink that the Nuggets.

Draymond Green is doubtful and Stephen Curry is probable, and for Denver, both Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson are probable.