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The Golden State Warriors have made impressive strides in addressing their last season’s shortcomings. And the changes are working in their favor. The team has kicked off the season in strong fashion, securing victories in six of their first eight games. Their performance on the road has undergone a remarkable transformation, as they have only suffered one loss in five away games. Their second unit has also found more stability under the leadership of Chris Paul. Paul, who is coming off the bench for the first time in his career, has seamlessly integrated himself into the new role. However, despite being one of the most formidable contingents, their next matchup could be a major hurdle for them to overcome.

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The Nuggets, who have an impressive 7-1 record this season, will host the Warriors in the Ball Arena later tonight. Nikola Jokic and his big men could pose a threat to the undersized Warriors lineup. Therefore, the Warriors need to bring their A-game and utilize all their resources to go against the reigning champions. In this light, let’s take a closer look at the starting lineup of the 7-time NBA Champions.

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Golden State Warriors starting lineup

With the addition of Chris Paul, the Golden State Warriors have bolstered their strength and performance. Paul has played a pivotal role in reducing the team’s turnover rate and has consistently delivered in clutch moments. His presence has also lightened the load on Stephen Curry, who has been posting outstanding statistics this season.

However, the true test of the team’s strength will come in tonight’s highly anticipated match, especially given the potential absence of their defensive linchpin, Draymond Green, who is listed as a game-time decision due to “personal reasons”.

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USA Today via Reuters

On a positive note, Green played through an ankle injury during the Warriors’ recent victory against the Detroit Pistons. It was indicative of a strong possibility of him taking the court against Denver. In case Green is available to play, they will go with their usual starting five of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney.

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However, in his absence, Paul might feature in the starting lineup once again. On the other side of the court, the Nuggets may also face uncertainty with the availability of their key players.

Denver Nuggets starting lineup

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According to Katy Winge of Altitude Sports, Jamal Murray could miss significant time off the court due to a hamstring strain he suffered in the team’s 123-101 win over the Chicago Bulls. What is more worrying for the Nuggets faithful is that their talisman, Nikola Jokic, is listed as probably on the injury report due to a wrist injury.

While there is a chance he will play, the wrist injury could impact his shooting efficiency. In Murray’s absence, the starting lineup could feature Reggie Jackson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.

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Read More: Humble Stephen Curry Credits Chris Paul for Helping Warriors Bench Overshadow the Starters

If Draymond misses the game, the Warriors could be in major trouble. Jokic’s exceptional playmaking abilities could exploit a Green-less Warriors defense that sometimes struggles with rotations, particularly on the road.

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In any case, this matchup will be one of the most exciting ones to watch. What are your predictions for the game? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

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Darshita Daga

618 Articles

Darshita is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who is creating her own space in the spectrum of sport journalism. Darshita specializes in dissecting post-game interviews, trade, and contracts. Her appetite for literature, akin to her affection for the Milwaukee Bucks, knows no bounds. As a dedicated fan of the Cream City and a particular admirer of the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Darshita's beat writing details every intricacy, even the critique. Her articles go beyond the box scores and game highlights, delving into the human stories behind the players, the franchises, and the unforgettable moments that make the NBA an unparalleled spectacle. Darshita's passion for the NBA extends beyond the written word, finding solace in the world of books.

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Saumya Khanduja

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