Stephen Curry – Foto: Instagram
American basketball fans are preparing for another electrifying clash in the NBA, with the Denver Nuggets hosting the Golden State Warriors at the Ball Arena, in Denver, this Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8 pm. The match promises intensity, but an already defined factor changes the balance: Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ icon, is out due to injury, leaving the team without its main offensive weapon.
The Nuggets arrive strong, with a record of five wins and two losses in the current season, occupying fourth place in the Western Conference. The Warriors, with five victories and four setbacks, sit in seventh place, fighting to establish themselves among the leaders.
- Denver Nuggets: V-V-D-V-V (five wins, two losses);
- Golden State Warriors: V-D-D-V-D (five wins, four losses).
This discrepancy in the campaign’s initial numbers reflects the defensive solidity of the home team, who have Nikola Jokić as their central pillar.
Curry’s absence changes the dynamics of the confrontation
Confirmation of the absence of Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ top scorer and maestro of the attack, was announced by the franchise this Friday, November 7th. The 37-year-old point guard, who has already had a career full of achievements, is facing an injury to his right ankle, diagnosed after thelast training. League experts estimate that he will be out for at least two weeks, which could directly impact Golden State’s run of games.
Without Curry, coach Steve Kerr will need to redistribute responsibilities on the perimeter. Players like Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski take on greater roles in the playmaking, while Draymond Green gains even more centrality in defense and quick transition. The Warriors, known for their collective playing style and long-distance shooting, lose around 30% of their offensive efficiency without the number 30, according to internal team data.
The Ball Arena, with a capacity for 18 thousand fans, should be packed with the expectation of seeing Jokić dominate the paint. The Nuggets, in turn, exploit the visitors’ recent weakness in rebounding, where they have conceded 15 more per game in recent matches.
This match is part of the NBA’s tight schedule, with 82 games per team in the regular season, and serves as a test of both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Stephen Curry’s impressive numbers on the road
Stephen Curry has revolutionized modern basketball since his 2009 debut for the Warriors, transforming the three-point shot into a lethal weapon. Over 15 seasons, he played 1,018 regular games, accumulating averages of 24.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. His 3,747 three-pointers make him the leading scorer in NBA history in that category, surpassing Ray Allen in 2021.
In the current 2025-2026 season, despite the injury that took him out of action this Friday, Curry has already demonstrated vitality in nine games played.ted. His numbers include 28.2 points per performance, shooting 42% from long range, 5.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds. In a recent win against the Los Angeles Lakers, he scored 37 points, including seven triples, reaffirming his unanimous MVP status in 2016.
- 4 NBA titles (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022);
- 2 regular season MVP awards;
- 1 record 402 three-pointers in a single season (2015-2016);
- 10 selections for the All-Star Game.
These feats not only elevated the Warriors to a recent dynasty, but inspired a generation of players focused on precision and mobility.
Curry, born in Akron, Ohio, grew up under the influence of his father Dell Curry, a former NBA player, and overcame early injuries to become a global icon. His signing to a $215 million extension in 2021 reflects the invaluable value he brings to the franchise.
Curry’s current season performance
The 2025-2026 campaign started off promisingly for Curry, as the Warriors looked to regain the West after an uneven postseason the previous year. In his first nine games, he led the league in triples percentage, converting 48 of 114 attempts. His ability to create plays without relying on classic screens has been crucial, especially in pick-and-rolls with Klay Thompson, who returns to the team after hiatus.
However, the ankle injury occurred during light training., forcing tactical adjustments. Curry has contributed 254 total points so far, in addition to 46 assists, numbers that place him among the top-5 scorers in the conference. In a duel against the Phoenix Suns, he recorded a double-double with 32 points and 11 assists, highlighting his court vision.
The Warriors, without him, face the Nuggets with an attack that drops to 108 points per game on average, compared to 115 with Curry on the scene. This dependence, while critical, is mitigated by the depth of the cast, including Moses Moody and Kevon Looney in the paint.
Curry’s recovery involves intensive therapy and daily monitoring, with an expected return against the Utah Jazz on November 15. His absence tests the resilience of the team, which has won three of its last four games without the star.
Probable lineup of teams on the field
Coaches adjust formations to maximize strength and cover gaps, especially with recent injuries. For the Nuggets, Michael Malone should keep the starting core intact, betting on Jokić’s versatility in the low post.
- Denver Nuggets: Jokić (C), Murray (PG), Gordon (PF), Porter Jr. (SF), Braun (SG);
- Key reserves: Westbrook, Strawther and Nnaji (doubtful due to thigh injury).
Zeke Nnaji, reserve center, is listed as unconfirmed due to a slight sprain, but should enter in the second quarter to relieve Jokić. Jamal Murray, with an average of 22 points, takes the offensive lead.
For the Warriors, Steve Kerr opts fora more defensive rotation, promoting Podziemski to the starting five in place of Curry.
- Golden State Warriors: Green (PF), Thompson (SG), Hield (SG), Podziemski (PG), Wiggins (SF);
- Key reserves: Looney, Sarafianos and Moody (doubt in the knee).
De’Anthony Melton remains out due to knee surgery, while Draymond Green, with 12 rebounds per game, will be the defense’s favorite. Andrew Wiggins returns from suspension and should mark Michael Porter Jr. from close range.
These lineups reflect tactical adaptations, with the Nuggets prioritizing slow pace and the Warriors relying on quick counterattacks.
The depth of the benches will be decisive, as both teams rotate 10 players per match on average, maintaining freshness in the final minutes.
Individual head-to-head highlights
The history of clashes between Nuggets and Warriors totals 28 games since 2015, with the Californians leading 18 to 10. In the last meeting, in March 2025, Golden State won 112 to 105, with Curry scoring 29 points. Jokić, on the other hand, shone with a triple-double: 28 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
Nikola Jokić, voted MVP in 2021 and 2022, enters as the featured player after his recent performance of 33 points, 15 rebounds and 16 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His efficiency in the paint, with 58% shot success, contrasts with the Warriors’ mobility.
- Jokić vs. Green:Duel of versatility, with the Serbian leading in assists (9.2 per game);
- Murray vs. Podziemski: Battle on the perimeter, where the Denver point guard has 45% in triples;
- Thompson vs. Porter: Pure shooters, averaging 22 and 19 points, respectively.
These matchups set the tone, especially without Curry to dilute the markings.
The Nuggets’ recent run includes wins over the Clippers and Kings, while the Warriors topped the Mavericks at home. Match odds favor Denver at 1.24 for victory, against 4.25 for the visitors, reflecting the home factor and Curry’s absence.
Brazilian fans have affordable options to follow the game in real time, with high-quality broadcasts and pre- and post-match analysis. The main platform is Prime Video, which shows the match from 2:30 am, with narration in Portuguese and on-screen statistics.
Other alternatives include the NBA League Pass streaming service, available via the app or official website, with the option of a monthly package for around R$100. In Brazil, the ESPN channel also covers selected NBA games, although this is only confirmed on Prime.
- Prime Video: Exclusive broadcast at 3am (Brasília time);
- NBA League Pass: Subscription for all remaining games of the season;
- Official NBA App: Video Highlights & Live Recapo.
For those who prefer radio, SiriusXM NBA Radio offers coverage in English, accessible via the app. Ball Arena allows virtual tickets for immersive experiences, but global audience is expected to exceed 2 million viewers.
These platforms ensure that the clash reaches all corners, maintaining the engagement of the fan base in Latin America.
Tactical strategies for the duel in Ball Arena
The Ball Arena, with its altitude of 1,600 meters in Denver, imposes physical challenges on visitors, reducing oxygenation and affecting rhythm. The Nuggets exploit this in 70% of their home wins, forcing mistakes on opposing shots.
Kerr, for the Warriors, plans a zone defense to neutralize Jokić, with Green marking the Serbian pivot on switches. The focus on offensive rebounds, where Golden State leads with 12 per game, can generate crucial second chances.
Malone, on the home side, emphasizes spacing on the perimeter, with Murray and Porter spaced the court for isolations from Jokić. The quick ball rotation should overcome the absence of Curry, who historically created 1.2 extra points per possession.
In night games, the Nuggets make 52% of their free throws, a vital statistic in tight ends. The Warriors, in turn, have a 38% triple shot rate without Curry, a number that needs to rise to 42% to compensate.
This match tests not only individual talents, but collective cohesion, with both teams aiming for the conference semifinals.
Reserve players who can decide
In addition to holders, banks bring potential surprises. For Denver, Russell Westbrook, at 37 years old, injects energy with averages of 11 points and 5 assists in 18 minutes. His full-ball pressure can force turnovers on the Warriors.
- Westbrook: Specialist in steals (1.8 per game);
- Christian Braun: Versatile athlete, with 14 points in the last outing;
- Julian Strawther: Elite shooter, 40% on triples.
For the Warriors, Trayce Jackson-Davis emerges as a reserve center, with 8 rebounds on average, helping to contain Jokić. Newcomer Buddy Hield adds spacing with his 41% shooting from long range.
Moses Moody, listed as doubtful, trained lightly and could come in to reinforce the winger. Kevon Looney, veteran, focuses on defending the big box, limiting second chances for the Nuggets.
These substitutes represent 40% of the minutes played, making their performance essential in a game with a high volume of possessions.
Recent injury history for both teams
Injuries have marked the start of the season for the Warriors and Nuggets, with Curry and Melton out indefinitely. Warriors’ Gary Payton II recovers from heel surgery as Nuggets deal with Vlatko Čančar’s shoulder question.
Jokić, despite the heavy load, maintained 100% availability in the last few months.last 50 games, thanks to an advanced recovery regime. Murray overcame knee surgery in 2024 and now plays without restrictions.
These setbacks highlight the importance of roster management in the NBA, where absences cost up to 15% of projected wins.
The Golden State franchise invests in wearable technology to monitor fatigue, reducing risks by 25% in recent years.
Fans expectations and stadium atmosphere
The Ball Arena buzzes with entertainment shows between rooms, including dances and promotions for families. Warriors fans travel in caravans, creating a pocket of support amid the blue and white crowd.
Community polls indicate 65% favoritism for the Nuggets, driven by Curry’s absence. Fans highlight the Jokić-Green duel as the most anticipated.
The game is part of a three-game home streak for Denver, which is seeking an undefeated streak of six wins.
