NBA: Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Injury Reports, Predicted Lineups, and Starting 5s

The Golden State Warriors will play the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series in 2022 at Ball Arena in Colorado. The Nuggets will strive to keep home-court advantage for the next two games after the Warriors had won two in a row. In the playoffs, the Warriors have been unstoppable. Because of their firepower on both sides of the floor, many commentators have dubbed them the title favorites. In the first two games, Coach Steve Kerr used his death lineup, which blasted the game open on both occasions. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green have been just too dangerous for the Denver defense to handle. In Game 2, they scored 70 points in 19 minutes and the game was effectively over.

So far in the series, the Nuggets have appeared powerless. Nikola Jokic is disappointed by his team's lack of aggression and shot-making, which has forced him to take a number of risky shots. In the first two games, he has gone a combined 0-8 from the three-point range. Furthermore, Aaron Gordon has failed to contribute in this series, leaving the reigning MVP to carry the club on his shoulders. This club has struggled in non-Jokic minutes, so coach Mike Malone must make sure they don't be swept again.

Injury Update for the Golden State Warriors

Andre Iguodala is listed as probable for the Warriors due to bilateral neck spasms, while James Wiseman is still out. Iguodala practiced on Wednesday, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, and his neck is doing better.

Injuries to the Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have been without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. for the entirety of the season. Murray hasn't been ruled out of the playoffs yet, but if the club goes 0-3 in the first round, his comeback could be accelerated.

Predicted Lineups for Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets

Golden State Warriors

Because Curry is still on a minutes restriction, the Warriors are likely to stick with their starting lineup from Games 1 and 2. Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson are expected to start in the backcourt, while Andrew Wiggins will continue to play small forward. Kevon Looney could be the center and Draymond Green could be the power forward. Green might go to center, with Wiggins as the power forward; Curry will start at the point, with Poole as the small forward, if coach Kerr decides to start the death lineup.

Denver Nuggets

The backcourt should be led by Monte Morris and Will Barton, with Jeff Green starting at small forward. Aaron Gordon should keep his power forward spot, while Nikola Jokic will continue to play center. Austin Rivers and Bryn Forbes, as well as Bones Hyland, might come off the bench.

Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets: Predicted Starting 5s

Golden State Warriors

G - Jordan Poole | G - Klay Thompson | F - Andrew Wiggins | F - Draymond Green | C - Kevon Looney.

Denver Nuggets

G - Monte Morris | G - Will Barton | F - Jeff Green | F - Aaron Gordon | C - Nikola Jokic.