The Denver Nuggets (19-10) travel to face off against the Brooklyn Nets (13-14) on Friday, December 22nd. This game will be played at Barclays Center. The Nuggets are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Nets are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Raptors. Tip-off is set for 7:30 ET.
Nuggets vs Nets
The Nuggets Are Coming Off A Win
The Nuggets won vs. the Raptors in their most recent game, ending with a score of 113-104. the Nuggets not only secured a victory straight-up but also did so while covering the spread as -4-point favorites. When it comes to the over/under, the total of 217 points ended up falling short of the over/under line set at 229.
With an overall record of 19-10, the Nuggets are 4-1 in their last five games. In the Western Conference, the Nuggets are currently 3rd and are also 3rd in the Northwest division.
Denver currently has an ATS record below .500, sitting at 13-15 at this point. When playing on the road, the Nuggets hold an ATS record of 6-10 in contrast to a 7-5 record against the spread when playing at home.
The Nets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Nets is coming off a loss to the Knicks in their latest game, ending with a score of 121-102. In addition to their straight-up loss, the Nets couldn’t cover the spread as +1 point underdogs. Concerning the over/under, the total of 223 points remained below the established over/under line of 232.5.
With a win over the Nuggets, the Nets can get back to .500, which would put their overall season record at 13-14. In the Eastern Conference, the Nets are in 9th place and are currently 4th in the Atlantic Division.
Brooklyn has an overall ATS record of 17-9 as they come into today’s game. This season, Brooklyn has a 8-2 record against the spread when they are the favorites, and they are 9-7 as underdogs.
Nuggets Offense Breakdown
The Nuggets come into today’s game as the 14th ranked scoring offense at 115.2 points per game. So far, the Nuggets are averaging 96.5 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. Although the Nuggets have a current effective field goal percentage of 55%, their below average pace of play is a key factor behind their mediocre scoring numbers.
Nets Offense Breakdown
Brooklyn has recorded an average of 115.6 points per game (13th) throughout 27 games games. The Nets come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 14.7 made 3’s per game. If the Brooklyn offense is going to improve, they would benefit from attacking the basket and generating looks at the line. So far, they are ranked just 27th in made free-throws per game.
Nuggets Team Defense
Coming into today’s game, the Nuggets’ defense is giving up an average of 110.3 points per contest.
Denver’s defense is currently forcing 11.4 turnovers per game, which is 2nd in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 16th in blocked shots, with an average of 5.2 rejections per game.
Nets Team Defense
Currently, the Nets’ defense holds the 19 rank in the NBA, allowing 115.3 points per game.
In the terms of takeaways, Nets are causing 12.6 turnovers per game, ranking 10th in the league. They also enter the matchup ranked 10th in rejections, averaging 5.9 blocked shots each game.
Key Players For The Nuggets And Nets
Our game forecasts for today suggest that Nikola Jokic is set to be the main scorer for the Nuggets, recording 17 points and shooting 6/12 from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 26.5 points per game, in addition to 12.4 rebounds.
As for Brooklyn, Cam Thomas is projected to be the primary scorer for the Nets. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 15, and adding 2 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 45.5%, and his scoring average is 24.1 points per game.
Nuggets vs Nets Trends
- Denver has played well in their previous three road games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 118 points per game while allowing 110. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-0.
- Through their last five home contests, the Nets offense has averaged 112 points per game while allowing an average of 123. Brooklyn posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 1-4 ATS.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Nets have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 0-3.
- Denver has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
Nuggets vs Nets Prediction
For a point-spread bet in this Nuggets vs. Nets matchup, we’re leaning towards the Nets at +4.5. Although our projections show the Nuggets winning 109-107, we suggest placing your bet on the Nets for the point-spread.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 230.5, and our model projects the Nuggets and Nets to reach a combined total of 216 points. Our bet is on taking the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:December 22, 2023 Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Teams