The Nuggets have the stronger early profile, but Stephen Curry gives the winless Warriors a dangerous counterpunch.
Denver enters at 1-1 and 16th in the power index, while Golden State is 0-3 and ranked 28th, making this an early chance for the Nuggets to build separation from a struggling rival. The Warriors have allowed 123 points per game; Denver is scoring 112.5, and Nikola Jokic’s 48 points, 22 rebounds and 15 assists in two games make his matchup with Golden State’s frontcourt the central test. Stephen Curry has 47 points in two appearances, while Yaxel Lendeborg leads the Warriors with 56 through three games, so Golden State has scoring options despite its 111.7 points per game. Denver can seize control by making the Warriors’ defense contain Jokic without giving Curry clean chances to answer; Golden State needs to tighten up after allowing 123 points per game.