The most-anticipated first-round matchup of the 2022 NBA Playoffs tips on Saturday night in prime time, when Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets take on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors. That is, if Curry plays.

The three-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP hasn’t suited up in nearly a month (foot). He is expected for this series, but is questionable for the opener. That, in turn, opens a door for Denver to gain homecourt advantage if it can pounce at Chase Center.

Ahead of Game 1, Bookies.com breaks down the series and makes our NBA picks to back on betting apps.

Nuggets vs Warriors Odds

Odds via DraftKings and accurate as of publication.

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Nuggets vs Warriors Betting Tips

The Curry Factor: Steph Curry hasn’t played since March 16 and his status for Game 1 is in question. The Warriors were 2-7 this season vs. playoff teams or those still vying for a final spot. That includes a 131-124 Nuggets win on March 7.

Honors Even: This season there hasn’t been any great trends in the four games between the Warriors and Nuggets to take into account for NBA betting fans. Each team went 2-2 against the spread and the Over was 2-2 as well. Denver did win both games at Golden State.

Target Draymond Props: The Warriors are 19-4 when Draymond Green plays and scores eight points. The Nuggets allowed the sixth-most production to opposing power forwards and are bottom-three vs. forwards of either position. He could be a player to focus early on in terms of points-rebounds-assists props.

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Nuggets vs Warriors Picks

The Warriors are -250 to win this first-round showdown, while the Nuggets are +210 to advance on sports betting apps.

The Warriors are known for their scoring prowess, but they actually rank No. 2 in the NBA in defensive efficiency. Defensive enforcer Draymond Green didn’t play in any of the four previous games vs. Denver – he’ll be tasked with making Jokic uncomfortable.

That’s the key. Jokic makes everything go for the Nuggets and he’ll continue to get his. But make it more challenging and Golden State can outscore Denver after that. We like the Warriors to ride their depth to the second round. Due to Curry’s questionable status for Game 1, we’re staying off the exact game odds.

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Nuggets vs Warriors Schedule

Game 1: April 16, Denver at Golden State, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Game 2: April 18, Denver at Golden State, 10 p.m. ET, TNT

Game 3: April 21, Golden State at Denver, 10 p.m. ET, TNT

Game 4: April 24, Golden State at Denver, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Game 5-7: TBD if necessary