The Denver Nuggets have tried to make do without their superstar center over their last two games. They suffered losses to the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns without him. The latest Nikola Jokic injury update reveals that the superstar is questionable for Sunday’s action with calf tightness. Bettors must seriously consider whether Nikola Jokic is playing tonight before placing their wagers.
The Warriors and Nuggets will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET, making this slate’s latest game. Those looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out OddsShopper’s tools for sharp NBA bets. A full subscription to OddsShopper Premium will help you find +ROI bets and become a profitable sports bettor!
Nikola Jokic Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
The Denver Nuggets find themselves in a fantastic position. At 51-26, they are two games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the Western Conference’s top seed. They have a four-game lead over the third-ranked Sacramento Kings. The Grizzlies have five games left on the docket but only one of those comes against a team eliminated from the playoff race. The Nuggets have one eliminated opponent and the soon-to-be-eliminated Utah Jazz.
Jokic picked up questionable tags in advance of Denver’s last two games with the same calf ailment. The team then downgraded him to out before tip each time. Jokic hadn’t missed time with a calf injury early in the season, so it’s unclear when he got hurt. Jokic has missed only 10 games so far this season. Before this most recent stretch, he hadn’t missed time since February.
When Jokic sits, the Nuggets have opted to use either Thomas Bryant or DeAndre Jordan as their starting center. Bryant struggled as the starter against the Pelicans and failed to log a minute against the Suns. Jordan, Zeke Nnaji and Vlatko Cancar saw increased run with Bryant pulled from the rotation. It’s unclear if head coach Mike Malone will trust Bryant again after benching him on Friday. With a matchup against the Warriors on tap, they may play small ball with Aaron Gordon or Jeff Green at the five.
Denver has leaned heavily on Jokic this season. The Nuggets are 25.5 points more efficient with him on the floor than with him off it. Further, the Nuggets are 26.4 points less efficient with Bryant on the floor and 14.6 points less efficient with Jordan out there.
Warriors-Nuggets NBA Betting Tips & Advice
The Denver Nuggets will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Unlike the Nuggets, the Warriors aren’t locked into the playoffs. They aren’t even locked into the play-in tournament! While it’s safe to expect the Warriors will come out with considerably more to prove than the Nuggets, how much that matters will depend on Jokic’s availability.
One key note for Sunday’s action: the Golden State Warriors have gone a pathetic 9-29 on the road this year. Their best road win came against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors have also lost to the Nuggets twice already, once at home and once on the road. That makes it hard to justify backing the Warriors despite their desperation.
With Memphis catching back up to Denver, don’t expect the Nuggets to rule Jokic out unless he can’t play. Having a chance to knock the Warriors back into the play-in tournament must mean something to them. The line hasn’t opened yet at DraftKings Sportsbook, but once it does, plan to back Denver if they open as more than a 6-point home underdog. Those new to DraftKings can earn $150 in bonus bets with a winning $5 moneyline wager. Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead!
