The Denver Nuggets have won five straight games and are riding high as they prepare for a high-profile showdown against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. This nationally televised matchup would normally spotlight a marquee duel between Nikola Jokić and Stephen Curry, who have faced off 34 times in their careers. However, this contest will look markedly different due to significant injury concerns on the Warriors’ side.
Curry has already missed the last 24 games for Golden State and has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game with right patellofemoral pain syndrome. There is growing concern that the Warriors superstar may not return for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, delivering a major blow to fans hoping for a star-studded showdown.
Nuggets Boast Clean Injury Report
In sharp contrast to the Warriors, the Nuggets enter the game with a fully healthy roster. For the second consecutive game, Denver has an empty injury report. Peyton Watson, who recently recovered from a hamstring strain, carries no injury designation and is expected to be available against Golden State.
This clean bill of health comes at an ideal time for the Nuggets. With just seven games remaining in the regular season, Denver has a prime opportunity to extend its winning streak to six games — just one shy of matching their longest streak of the season. The Nuggets appear to be hitting their stride at the perfect moment heading into the playoffs, though they still have areas to refine for a deep postseason run.
While Denver has struggled against Golden State this season, falling 1-2 in the season series, Sunday presents a strong chance to even the record with their full roster available.
Warriors Remain Severely Shorthanded
Golden State’s 2025-26 season has been plagued by injuries, beginning with Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. Curry’s prolonged absence has only compounded the team’s struggles. Currently sitting at 36-38 and clinging to the 10th spot in the Western Conference, the Warriors are in danger of missing the playoffs entirely if they cannot turn things around.
Beyond Curry and Butler, Golden State will also be without Al Horford and Moses Moody for Sunday’s game. Several other key contributors are listed as questionable. Here is the Warriors’ full injury report:
- Seth Curry: Questionable (left adductor strain)
- Quinten Post: Questionable (right foot injury management)
- Will Richard: Questionable (left heel soreness)
- Jimmy Butler: Out (right ACL surgery)
- Steph Curry: Out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
- Al Horford: Out (right soleus strain)
- Moses Moody: Out (left patellar tendon surgery)
Although the Nuggets appear to hold a significant advantage on paper, caution is warranted. In their most recent meeting, the Warriors pulled off a surprising upset despite missing Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porziņģis — against a Nuggets squad that was also shorthanded without Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon.
With home-court advantage and a healthy roster, the Nuggets will be motivated to avoid a repeat performance and continue their strong momentum on Sunday night.