Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Prediction for Monday October 26 2026

Western Conference foes will tangle on Monday night, when the Golden State Warriors visit the Denver Nuggets. Tipoff is scheduled for October 26, 2026 at 10:00 pm EST and the setting will be Ball Arena. The Nuggets are a 5.5 point home favorite and the total is set at 232.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.

Golden State no longer a title contender

The Golden State Warriors have won four NBA Championships in the previous 11 seasons, but that window appears to be coming to an end. The Warriors (0-3) have not put enough talent around Steph Curry and will likely miss the playoffs for the third time in four years. On Saturday, Golden State surrendered 45 points during the third quarter of a 131-122 road loss against Phoenix. 

Golden State rookie F Yaxel Lendeborg tallied a team-high 26 points (6-11 3PT), nine rebounds, and five assists. De’Anthony Melton was a spark plug off the bench with 25 points (8-13 FG), five rebounds, and five assists. Brandon Williams added 20 points and five assists for the Warriors. 

The Warriors are no longer an elite offensive team and finished 17th in offensive efficiency a season ago. During Saturday’s loss, Golden State committed 17 turnovers that led to 26 Phoenix points. The Warriors trailed by as many as 16 points and allowed the Suns to shoot a sizzling 58 percent from the field.

Denver off an improbable comeback victory

The Denver Nuggets have reached the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons and won the NBA Finals in 2023. The Nuggets (1-1) enter the 2026 campaign with a chip on their shoulder after being eliminated by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs. On Saturday, Denver stormed back from a 23-point deficit to earn a 141-135 overtime victory versus New Orleans. 

All-Star G Jamal Murray poured in a game-high 42 points (8-16 3PT) and dished out six assists. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic recorded his 199th career triple-double with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and ten assists. Christian Braun added 15 points (7-11 FG) and eight boards for the Nuggets. 

Last season, Denver led the league in offensive efficiency and averaged 122.1 points per game. During Saturday’s home victory, the Nuggets converted 30-of-39 free-throw attempts and shot 48 percent from the field. Denver knocked down 15 three-pointers and was outscored 70-56 in the paint.

Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Prediction

Pick: Denver Nuggets -5.5

Golden State G Steph Curry (rest) and F Draymond Green (back) did not suit up for Saturday’s loss. Both are considered day-to-day.  The Nuggets lead the all-time series against the Warriors with a 111-89 record. These two teams split last season’s series, with each defending their home court twice. Denver won both home games against Golden State by 20 plus points and will cover this number.

Pick: Over 232.5

Through two games, Denver is playing at the slowest tempo in the league and Golden State ranks 18th in that category. Both teams are in the bottom third of the league in effective field goal percentage, so there is some positive regression that is due. The Nuggets will be focused and race out to an early lead which will increase the pace. Take the over.

Final Score Prediction: Denver Nuggets win 125-114