Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 22, 2026)

The play the on Sunday, , in a Western Conference game that could affect the standings. Denver is near the top of the conference. Golden State is trying to stay in the play-in race.

Both teams are dealing with injuries. Denver is missing players in the guard and wing rotation. Golden State is without several regular starters, which has changed how they play on both ends.

Denver Nuggets are short on depth but still has its main core available.

• Tamar Bates (SG) – Left foot injury

• Aaron Gordon (PF) – Right hamstring strain

• Jalen Pickett (PG) – Right knee soreness

• Peyton Watson (SF) – Right hamstring strain

• Jamal Murray (PG) – Right hamstring tightness

Murray’s status matters. If he plays, Denver runs its usual offense.

If he sits, the team relies more on Nikola Jokić to create.

• Starters: Nikola Jokić, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr.

• Bench: Jonas Valančiūnas, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, DaRon Holmes II, Curtis Jones

Golden State Warriors are missing key players across the lineup.

• Stephen Curry (PG) – Knee issue

• Seth Curry (G) – Nerve irritation

• Kristaps Porziņģis (C) – Illness

• Jimmy Butler III (F) – ACL injury (out for season)

• L.J. Cryer (PG), Malevy Leons (F), Nate Williams (G) – Out

• Starters: Draymond Green, Al Horford, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton

• Bench: Gary Payton II, Gui Santos, Quinten Post, Will Richard, Pat Spencer

Golden State will have to share ball-handling duties and rely on defense.

Denver has won most of the recent matchups. Over the last three seasons, the Nuggets are 7-2 against the Warriors. They also lead the overall series.

The first meeting this season was on October 23, 2025. Golden State won 137-131 in overtime. Stephen Curry scored 42 points. Both teams scored easily in that game.

• One of the better offenses in the league

• Defense is average

• Nikola Jokić is averaging over 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists

• Offense has dropped without Curry

• Defense has been more stable

• Negative scoring margin this season

Denver has the advantage inside. With Porziņģis and Butler out, Jokić should have space to operate.

If Murray does not play, Denver will need more from Braun, Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown. Golden State will rely on Melton, Podziemski, and Payton II to handle the ball.

Both teams can play fast and shoot from three. Denver may choose to slow the game and run through Jokić.

Denver is favored by around 6.5 points. The total is close to 230.

Golden State is missing too many key players. Denver still has injury concerns, but it has the stronger lineup available for this game.