The Denver Nuggets (36-19) host the Washington Wizards (9-45) in a Thursday night matchup. Both teams need a win, and one of these sides will end a losing streak. For the hosts, they enter on a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the visitors lost eight out of their last eight games. Therefore, someone’s row of losses will end tonight.
However, only the bold are picking an upset. For the most part, the defending NBA champs are expected to get on the right path again tonight. But they face a team that has a sneaky good performance in them every now and then.
With the spread being so high, do you see taking the points as the right move?
Denver Nuggets vs Washington Wizards Betting Odds and Predictions
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Denver Nuggets | -15 -115 |
O 232 -112 |
-1200 |
| Washington Wizards | +15 -105 |
U 232 -108 |
+750 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Washington Wizards @ Denver Nuggets
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 9:00 p.m. EST
Location: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
Key Stats
Denver Nuggets (Averages)
Points: 113.9
Points Allowed: 110.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.4/88.8 for 48.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.5/31.1 for 36.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 15.6/20.7 for 75.6%
Rebounds: 11.1 Offensive, 33.0 Defensive, 44.1 Combined
Assists: 28.6
Steals: 6.7
Blocks: 5.3
Turnovers: 11.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.8/87.1 for 46.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.4/31.3 for 36.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.7/22.6 for 78.6%
Rebounds Against: 10.6 Offensive, 31.4 Defensive, 42.0 Combined
Denver needs a good start to the final section of the year. They dropped three straight before heading into the All-Star Break. Additionally, they didn’t look convincing in some of their previous wins. But this team has veteran experience. They also brought back the nucleus that won it all. Therefore, it’s fair to asses this team as waiting to peak for the right point. But we’ve seen past teams try this approach. They thought they could just flip and switch, only to face out early in the playoffs. In reality, you need to start gelling during regular-season play. The Denver Nuggets know this and will take care of the Washington Wizards tonight.
February 4th, 2024
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets – back2backNikola Jokic Highlights:
29 Pts, 8 Reb, 7 Asst, 2 Stl
.600 FG%, -5 https://://t.co/BG4moABIYQ pic.twitter.com/ha3dze7Fmw— Joe Sakic Fan (@Devilito02) February 5, 2024
Nikola Jokic looked disengaged in his All-Star appearance. He is considered so great in part because of how he can seemingly go through the motions while posting an almost silent triple-double. Regardless, in a real NBA game, it looks to take advantage of opposing matchups. He’s also helped by Jamal Murray. When healthy, Murray is a lethal shooter and scorer. But Aaron Gordan remains the most important piece on this roster.
Washington Wizards (Averages)
Points: 114.8
Points Allowed: 123.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.3/91.3 for 47.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.1/34.6 for 35.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.0/20.9 for 76.8%
Rebounds: 9.2 Offensive, 31.5 Defensive, 40.7 Combined
Assists: 21.8
Steals: 7.8
Blocks: 5.4
Turnovers: 13.5
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 46.3/93.2 for 49.7%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.4/33.7 for 36.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.8/24.4 for 77.2%
Rebounds Against: 12.7 Offensive, 36.6 Defensive, 49.3 Combined
Washington is not a good franchise. Many consider even their best players to be good role-players on any other team. But they’ve lost a lot of games in a row. The NBA gives you nights that you otherwise would not earn. However, when facing a Denver Nuggets team that also needs a win, that seems unlikely. Additionally, they are facing Jokic and Murray. They can’t stop those two defensively. Especially due to their lack of horses on the roster. But they only hope to keep things close tonight. This undertaking takes place on the road, making it particularly more difficult.
Kyle Kuzma is their main scoring option. Although he averages 21.8 points per game, they are largely off inefficient shots. However, he can get hot. But that’s not going to be likely. Because he’s likely to see a lot of Gordan, especially if he gets going, he’s going to have to earn his points. Therefore, it’s hard to see this team put up many points against the Denver Nuggets. Additionally, Tyus Jones is a good all-around point guard. Unfortunately, his being undersized is counted against him. But he should see some matchups that favor him on the offensive side tonight.
Game Prediction
I see this game playing out as the oddsmakers expect it to. In fact, this line may be too low. Although you usually want to avoid large NBA regular season spreads, today is an exception. Especially after Jokic endured the All-Star fanfare, he’s going to want to remind people who’s in charge still. Murray is a game-time decision, so that enters into the equation. But even if he ends up being a scratch, the Denver Nuggets piling on the Washington Wizards appears to be a formality.
Additionally, the point total is too high to consider taking the over. You’re also getting a little added value at -108. The home team will put up points, but it’s hard to see how the Wizards hold up their end of the bargain. Therefore, I am going with the under for this game. But I am also taking the Denver Nuggets against the spread.
Final Pick
Denver Nuggets -15 and Under 232
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
