Huge game tonight in Oakland as the Denver Nuggets visit the Golden State Warriors with the final playoff spot in the West potentially on the line, with the Nuggets 4.5-point betting favorites (over/under: 238.5) on WagerWeb.com.
Sole possession of the final postseason spot in the West is on the line; Golden State and Denver are 47-31 with four games remaining in the regular season, and both trail seventh-place Dallas by two games.
The teams enter with identical records, and if the Nuggets can claim a victory, they'll own the first tiebreaker with a 3-1 record against the Warriors this season.
A win by Golden State would not only even the season series but it would equal Denver's record against Western Conference opponents - the second tiebreaker.
Expect offense, offense and offense tonight.
The Warriors average 110.8 points per game and the Nuggets 110.7 points per game. The Warriors have the league's worst defense, allowing 108.3 points per contest, ahead only of Denver's 106.9.
"This game could very well be 160-150," Warriors forward Al Harrington said. "It's going to be whatever team decides to play defense who's going to win."
Carmelo Anthony has been hot for Denver, shooting 49-of-72 while averaging just over 40 points in the last three games. He ranks fourth in the league in averaging 26.1 points per game."It's got to be like that Thursday," said Anthony, who's also averaging 32.3 points in his last three visits to Oakland. "I've got confidence it will be like that Thursday. It's a big game for us. Do I believe we have to win? No. But it's a must-win for us."
However, Allen Iverson has struggled lately. Denver's all-star guard is third in the NBA with 26.3 points per game, but he has shot below that mark in three of the last five games, including a only 13 points in a loss to Sacramento last Saturday.
Denver will be without one of its big bodies tonight: Coach George Karl said power forward Nene is doubtful with a strained right groin.
The Warriors, meanwhile, have three players averaging 20-plus points per game: Baron Davis, Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson. Davis is sixth in the NBA with 7.6 assists per game, but in three games against the Nuggets he has averaged 9.3.
"He's their motor," Karl said.
Golden State, already assured of its best record since 1993-94, plays three of its last four at home. The Warriors' 26-12 home record is the worst among West playoff contenders, but they have won three straight in Oakland.
Denver has won four of its last six on the road, but its 16-23 record is the worst among conference teams still in the playoff race. The Nuggets have won nine of their 12 against the Warriors.
Betting trends: Nuggets are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 Thursday games. ... Over is 19-7 in Nuggets' last 26 overall. ... Over is 10-4 in Denver's last 14 road games. ... Over is 10-3 in Warriors' last 13 Thursday games. ... Warriors are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Northwest Division. ... Warriors are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 home games. ... Over is 10-4 in teams' last 14 meetings.
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