Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Prediction: Combined starting 5 featuring Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic

Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic.
Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic.

Small Forward - Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors)

Wiggins' development will be essential for Golden State.
Wiggins' development will be essential for Golden State.

Andrew Wiggins struggled with his three-point shooting to start the season with the Golden State Warriors. However, he has been shooting the ball efficiently beyond the arc after starting 2-for-10 in the first two games.

In his last nine games, Wiggins averaged 19 points and five rebounds per game. More importantly, he has made 47 percent of his field goals and 43 percent of his 5.7 attempts from the three-point line in that span.

Overall, Wiggins has made 39 percent of his three-pointers this year (5.5 attempts per game), and it would be the highest of his career if the trend continues.


Power Forward - Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)

Green is the vocal leader of the Warriors.
Green is the vocal leader of the Warriors.

Draymond Green missed the first four games of the 2020-21 NBA season due to a foot issue. However, his return to the court has seen the Golden State Warriors improve their level.

youtube-cover

His defense and playmaking abilities have been essential in the team winning four of the seven games he has played and beating good teams like the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers.

Green's impact will not jump to the eye on the stat sheet, but he is certainly a great asset for Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors.

He is averaging seven assists, five rebounds, and a steal per game in 27 minutes per night. Even though he is averaging just four points per game, Green is a reluctant shooter who is looking to facilitate on offense and lead the defense.


Center - Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings.

The clear early candidate for the NBA Most Valuable Player award is Serbian center Nikola Jokic. Despite the Denver Nuggets' current losing record, Jokic's level has been impressive and deserves recognition.

youtube-cover

The Serbian player, who is the brain of Denver's offense, is averaging a triple-double in the first weeks of the NBA season. His per-game averages are 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10.5 assists. Moreover, Jokic averages 1.8 steals per game and is coming off a career-high of seven thefts vs. the Nets. He has made 58 percent of his field goals, 41 percent of his three-pointers, and 82 percent of his free throws.

Jokic is leading the NBA in assists, triple-doubles, player efficiency rating (PER), win shares, box plus/minus, and value over replacement. That sounds like an MVP.


Also read: Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Match Preview - January 14th, 2021 | NBA Season 2020-21

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now