Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors 27 October 2026 Prediction

Denver has had an uneven start to the regular season. After a 96-84 loss to Oklahoma City, David Adelman’s team had to overcome a 23-point deficit to beat New Orleans 141-135. Golden State now visits Denver after opening a season with three straight losses for the first time in 19 years. Will the return of its rested veterans help end the skid?

Denver Looks for Bench Options

Denver’s home opener against New Orleans turned into a 141-135 comeback win. The Nuggets allowed 73 first-half points and trailed by 19 entering the fourth quarter before completing the largest home comeback in franchise history. Jamal Murray scored 42 points, shooting 8-for-16 from three. Nikola Jokic recorded his 199th career triple-double with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Rookie Brazile played the final 20 minutes without a substitution and scored seven points in overtime.

“I liked his approach. He made a few mistakes off the ball in the first half, which is natural for a rookie, but he stayed engaged. The best compliment a rookie in this league can get is having the team’s veterans trust him and feel comfortable playing alongside him. What he brings is unique for us. We haven’t had a player like him in a long time,” Adelman said.

The win also exposed Denver’s lack of depth. The bench was already thinner after Watson’s departure, and starting forward Johnson injured his ankle against Oklahoma City. Bryce Hopkins filled in against the Pelicans but struggled. With few options available, Jokic and Murray each played more than 42 minutes.

Denver Predicted Lineup: Murray, Brown, DeRozan, Gordon, Jokic

Out: Strawther (injury)

Manager: David Adelman

Golden State Rested Key Players Against Phoenix

While Denver’s starters played heavy minutes against New Orleans, Steve Kerr rested several key players for the second game of a back-to-back. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford sat out the 131-122 loss at Phoenix. Golden State still made 17 of 39 three-point attempts.

Yaxel Lendeborg scored 26 points, including six threes, and De’Anthony Melton added 25. Injuries have increased the need for Lendeborg to develop quickly. His contributions matter to a veteran-heavy roster.

Golden State Predicted Lineup: Curry, Melton, Santos, Lendeborg, Green

Out: Butler and Moody (injuries), Porzingis (illness)

Manager: Steve Kerr

Home Teams Won All Four Meetings Last Season

The teams split their four games in 2025-26. Golden State won twice in San Francisco, 137-131 and 128-117, while Denver won twice at Ball Arena, 129-104 and 116-93.

Denver vs Golden State Prediction: Golden State Handicap +9.5

Main prediction: Rest and defensive play could be decisive. Denver’s limited depth was evident against New Orleans, with Jokic and Murray playing more than 42 minutes each. Curry and Green, meanwhile, sat out Golden State’s loss to Phoenix. The pick is Golden State +9.5.

Total points prediction: Neither team has defended consistently. Denver allowed 135 points to New Orleans, while Golden State has given up an average of 123 through three games. The Warriors will need to limit Denver’s pace. The pick is under 233.5 total points.