The Denver Nuggets play the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in a Western Conference game that could affect the standings. Denver is near the top of the conference. Golden State is trying to stay in the play-in race.Both teams are dealing with injuries. Denver is missing players in the guard and wing rotation. Golden State is without several regular starters, which has changed how they play on both ends.
Denver Nuggets Injury Report and Rotation vs Golden State Warriors (February 22, 2026)
Denver Nuggets are short on depth but still has its main core available.
Out for Sunday
• Tamar Bates (SG) – Left foot injury • Aaron Gordon (PF) – Right hamstring strain • Jalen Pickett (PG) – Right knee soreness • Peyton Watson (SF) – Right hamstring strain
Questionable
• Jamal Murray (PG) – Right hamstring tightnessMurray’s status matters. If he plays, Denver runs its usual offense. If he sits, the team relies more on Nikola Jokić to create.
Available Rotation
• Starters: Nikola Jokić, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr. • Bench: Jonas Valančiūnas, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, DaRon Holmes II, Curtis Jones
Golden State Warriors Injury Report and Rotation vs Denver Nuggets (February 22, 2026)
Golden State Warriors are missing key players across the lineup.
Out for Sunday
• Stephen Curry (PG) – Knee issue • Seth Curry (G) – Nerve irritation • Kristaps Porziņģis (C) – Illness • Jimmy Butler III (F) – ACL injury (out for season) • L.J. Cryer (PG), Malevy Leons (F), Nate Williams (G) – Out
Available Rotation
• Starters: Draymond Green, Al Horford, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton • Bench: Gary Payton II, Gui Santos, Quinten Post, Will Richard, Pat SpencerGolden State will have to share ball-handling duties and rely on defense.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Head-to-Head Context
Denver has won most of the recent matchups. Over the last three seasons, the Nuggets are 7-2 against the Warriors. They also lead the overall series.The first meeting this season was on October 23, 2025. Golden State won 137-131 in overtime. Stephen Curry scored 42 points. Both teams scored easily in that game.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Team Form This Season
Denver Nuggets (36-21)
• One of the better offenses in the league • Defense is average • Nikola Jokić is averaging over 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists
Golden State Warriors (29-27)
• Offense has dropped without Curry • Defense has been more stable • Negative scoring margin this season
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors: What to Watch on February 22
Denver has the advantage inside. With Porziņģis and Butler out, Jokić should have space to operate.If Murray does not play, Denver will need more from Braun, Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown. Golden State will rely on Melton, Podziemski, and Payton II to handle the ball.Both teams can play fast and shoot from three. Denver may choose to slow the game and run through Jokić.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Betting Line and Outlook (February 22, 2026)
Denver is favored by around 6.5 points. The total is close to 230.Golden State is missing too many key players. Denver still has injury concerns, but it has the stronger lineup available for this game.
