The Denver Nuggets were suppose to enter Game 3 with a 2-0 series lead over the Warriors, but they will look to avoid a 1-2 hole when things get underway at the ORACLE Arena later tonight (10:30pm ET start time, ESPN2). The latest 2013 NBA Playoff Picks have Denver lined as a -1 against the spread road favorite and the Over/Under set at 211 points.
Golden State suffered a devastating 97-95 Game 1 loss to the Nuggets, but the heart ache it experienced was not isolated to the final score. The Warriors, a series underdog anyway, lost All-Star forward David Lee (torn hip flexor) for the remainder of their postseason run.
Denver, the league’s strongest home team based upon record, appeared in prime position to pull off a series sweep with Lee out of the Warriors lineup. Golden State wasted no time eliminating that prospect, though, as it scored a stunning 131-117 Game 2 win over the Nuggets on Tuesday night.
The Warriors were unstoppable, shooting 64.6 percent from the field and 56 percent from beyond arc in the double digit victory. Golden State had four players score 21 or more points, including Stephen Curry (questionable tonight – ankle), who led the team with 30. Curry also recorded 13 assists and three steals.
The Nuggets were, no doubt, rattled by Golden State’s ridiculous offensive performance, but they figure to regroup this evening. Denver has won five of its last seven against the Warriors and it is 4-3 in its last seven games at the ORACLE Arena.
Notable Trends: The Warriors are 2-8 both straight up and against the spread in their last 10 games as a home dog with a spread between 0 and 3.5 and a total between 210 and 215 points (Over was 9-1 in those same 10 games).
Denver Nuggets -1 (-110), Over 211 (-110)
Golden State Warriors +1 (-110), Under 211 (-110)
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