Published on: Apr 21, 2022 11:04 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 22, 2022 9:34 am IST
DEN vs GSW Dream11: The battle lines are drawn and the NBA Playoffs battle has heated up bringing us an array of results. In this game, the Golden State Warriors will take on the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference scenario. The Warriors have won the first two games and have upped the pressure on the Denver Nuggets.
Stephen Curry buried the Nuggets in Game 2 coming off the bench and a huge third quarter ensured that the Warriors pull up for a big win. As the onus on the Nuggets shifts, the Warriors will look to devour a series sweep here but Nikola Jokic is not known to give up the facade soon. Although, the Nuggets are down and out, the home-court advantage may change the complexion a bit for them.
Host: Denver Nuggets Visitors: Golden State Warriors Match Timing: 22 April, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Ball Arena
Warriors live up to the billing
The Playoffs experience of Thompson, Curry, and Green has been a huge factor once again and the emerge of Poole only has bolstered the Warriors’ chances. The first two victories are symbolic of what we expect from the highly intriguing team and as of now, they are back in the title contention after a sub-par second half of the season. Finally, the lineup of Poole, Thompson, Curry, Wiggins, and Green has been wresting control early and giving the team a huge advantage.
The Nuggets have suffered mostly because Aaron Gordon is yet to clip a high-yielding night and the Warriors have been able to limit Jokic, not allowing him to score 30 or so. Monte Morris can’t fill the void created by the absence of Jamal Murray and the Nuggets are sorely missing Michael Porter Jr, who makes life tough on the defensive end of the floor. What more can the Warriors accomplish here considering the Nuggets have been out of answers?
The Warriors have understood how to use the lineup of Poole, Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, and Green, and that small-ball unit brings two-way prowess while creating a disadvantageous situation by making tough shots and also bringing in a lot of hustle. Otto Porter Jr. fits well in the schemes and the Nuggets need a huge spark in this game.
Fantasy Related Tips
Jokic remains a powerful fantasy option but the Warriors have opened the floodgates. Poole and Curry both can be dependable high-yielding offensive options while Nuggets’ Gordon’s stocks have fallen a bit considering he is yet to hit the 10 points mark. Draymond Green continues to showcase his all-around prowess while Monte Morris is a decent filler. Will Barton has stuffed the stat-sheet but sustainability has been an issue all night long. It is also wise to gamble on Klay Thompson who knows to work the gears and you never know if he is up for a 30+ points night.
Performance Predictions
Leading Scorer: Nikola Jokic: 31 Leading Rebounder: Nikola Jokic: 16 Top Assists Deliverer: Draymond Green: 10 Scoreline Prediction: Warriors 110 Nuggets 103
Golden State Warriors Team News
Warriors Expected Starting Five Two-way Wings: SF: Andrew Wiggins Defensive Anchor and All-Around Forward: PF: Draymond Green Inside Presence: C: Kevon Looney Off-the-ball Perimeter threat: SG: Klay Thompson Three-Point threat: PG: Stephen Curry
BENCH: Moses Moody, Otto Porter Jr., Damion Lee, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Gary Payton II, Chris Chiozza, Nemanja Bjelica.
Denver Nuggets Team News
Nuggets Expected Starting Five Athletic Big Forward: PF: Aaron Gordon Athletic Wing: F: Jeff Green Superstar All-Around Threat: C: Nikola Jokic All-around Wing:SF: Will Barton Sharp-shooting Guard: PG: Monte Morris
BENCH: Bones Hyland, JaMychal Green, Bryn Forbes, DeMarcus Cousins, Austin Rivers, Davon Reed, Marcus Howard, Facundo Campazzo.
Nikola Jokic(DEN) Points: 26 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 04 Blocks: 02 Steals: 01 Jokic’s assists numbers have fallen as his teammates have been unable to click but he has still put on strong numbers overall. I expect a solid return at the home floor and a 27-33 points, 10-16 rebounds, 5-8 assists, and 1-2 steals/blocks range. He is a candidate as Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 45-66
Stephen Curry(GSW) Points: 34 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 04 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Reminiscent of the 2016 Playoffs returns versus the Trail Blazers, Guard Curry showed no mercy to the Nuggets and ended up with a brilliant 12/17 shooting night. I expect a 24-30 points and 4-7 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 32-42
Will Barton(DEN) Points: 12 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Will has been inconsistent since the second half of the season and again had a so-so offensive night, only making 33% of his shots. I expect a 14-19 points, 5-7 rebounds, and 2-5 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-39
Jordan Poole(GSW) Points: 29 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 08 Steals: 02 Blocks: 01 The Nuggets have had no answers against the sharpshooting ways of Poole who continues to make his mark as an elite player in the league. I expect a 22-27 points and 5-8 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-50
Aaron Gordon(DEN) Points: 07 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 03 Blocks: 01 PF Gordon has not responded well to the Warriors’ defense and has not had a huge impact on the offensive end, thus curbing the chances of the Nuggets. I do expect a 13-18 points and 5-8 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-32
Draymond Green(GSW) Points: 06 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 03 Steals: 02 Blocks: 01 Defensive anchor Green has made his impact felt so far this series and the Nuggets have not been able to navigate through him. I expect a 6-10 points, 5-9 rebounds, and 5-10 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-38
(Recommended) PG: M Morris, G Payton SG: K Thompson, J Poole(PP), N Bones Hyland SF: A Wiggins PF: O Porter C: N Jokic(SP)
(Alternate) PG: S Curry(PP), G Payton SG: N Bones Hyland SF: A Wiggins PF: J Green, O Porter, D Green C: N Jokic(SP)
Wanna watch electricity pick up as Stephen Curry visits the talented Nikola Jokic? In not the most encouraging bit of news, this game is not available on streaming services JIO TV and Voot, the two official streaming platforms for viewers in India. On the other hand, VH1 and Sports 18 will not show it on Television. That is why it is best to purchase the annual subscription, you can get close to all live games plus you also can get the full game replay if you are to miss the live stream. To learn the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the NBA.