Nuggets Vs. Warriors Preview

May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12, far left) dunks the ball against Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) as Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the 14-12 Denver Nuggets host the 15-13 Golden State Warriors. The Nuggets return home on a 3 game losing streak, while the Warriors are coming off of a blow out win over the Los Angles Lakers. This match-up will be fun because the teams met in the playoffs last year, and it is Andre Iguodala’s first game back in Denver. There is great potential for the Nuggets to snap out of their funk and beat a streaky Warriors team at home.

The Warriors eliminated the Nuggets from the playoffs last year, so the revenge factor will definitely be there for the Nuggs. They have been playing ugly basketball lately, and they need a win badly. They have actually dropped all the way to the last spot in the West, when a few weeks ago they were in the top 5. The big time players such as Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, and Wilson Chandler are going to need to score at will tonight for the Nuggs to win.

The Nuggets are going to need to be aggressive under the hoop tonight and box out. The Warriors are an excellent rebounding team, and are good for 5th in the league. It is no secret that they can shoot the 3 ball. The Warriors best shooters are the “splash brothers”, and they are averaging 39 pointer per game combined. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are deadly, and they need to be the Nuggets main priority on defense.

The Warriors have also been inconsistent this season. I like the Nuggets to win this game at home and bounce back. The Nuggets have had a day off to re-group and I believe that Ty Lawson and Wilson Chanlder will carry the team. My prediction in this one is a Nuggets win with a score of 101-98. Follow along on the site, and on twitter for updates.