Alright, let's talk about what’s shaping up to be a fascinating, if a bit lopsided, showdown in the Western Conference. We've got the Denver Nuggets hosting the Golden State Warriors tonight, November 7, 2025, and the injury report is telling a huge part of the story before the first whistle even blows. The big news is that Denver’s superstar, Nikola Jokic, is confirmed to play, while the Warriors are facing a massive hurdle with Stephen Curry officially ruled out.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Nikola Jokic is officially available and fully fit for the Nuggets' home game.
- ✓ The Golden State Warriors will be without their superstar Stephen Curry, who is out with an illness.
- ✓ Recently acquired Warrior Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable due to a back strain.
- ✓ The reigning champion Denver Nuggets are entering the game at full strength, with Jamal Murray also active.
- ✓ This highly anticipated matchup is part of the early-season NBA Cup group play.
The Joker is Ready to Go
If you're a Nuggets fan, you can breathe a huge sigh of relief. According to the latest team updates, Nikola Jokic is fully fit and has zero injury concerns heading into this matchup at Denver's Ball Arena. This is massive because, let's be honest, Jokic is the engine that makes this entire Nuggets team run. He’s expected to play his usual extended minutes and orchestrate the offense like a maestro.
And what a season he’s having so far. The two-time MVP has been putting up absolutely staggering numbers, averaging a near triple-double with 24.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 12 assists per game. His consistent triple-double performances have pretty much solidified his reputation as one of the most complete and dominant players in the league. His court vision, combined with his rebounding prowess and scoring versatility, makes him a nightmare for any defense, let alone one that's going to be stretched thin tonight.
A Tough Night for the Warriors
Now, let's flip the coin and look at the situation for the Golden State Warriors. To put it mildly, it's challenging. The biggest blow is the absence of Stephen Curry, the team's leading scorer and undisputed emotional leader. He's been officially ruled out due to an illness that reportedly got worse overnight, forcing the team to sit him as a precaution. You just can’t overstate how much his absence impacts their entire game plan.
But the bad news doesn't stop there. Jimmy Butler, who was recently brought in to add a defensive edge and veteran leadership, is listed as questionable with a back strain. That’s a potential one-two punch that could leave the Warriors without two of their primary offensive creators. On the slightly better side of things, Draymond Green is probable with a rib issue, but it sounds like he's expected to play through the pain. Still, a less-than-100% Draymond against a fully healthy Nuggets squad is a tough ask.
With Curry out and Butler potentially sidelined, the Warriors will need some heroic performances from their bench and secondary scorers like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody just to stay competitive. It’s a classic "next man up" scenario, but doing it on the road against the reigning champs is about as tough as it gets.
A Tale of Two Teams
When you look at the rosters for tonight's game, it really is a story of two completely different situations. The Denver Nuggets are enjoying excellent health across the board. Jokic's dynamic backcourt partner, Jamal Murray, is also active and has been contributing efficiently on both ends of the floor. In fact, their only minor concern is forward Zeke Nnaji, who's listed as probable with a mild ankle sprain, but even if he sits, it won't significantly disrupt their rotation.
The numbers back up their strength. The Nuggets are an offensive juggernaut, putting up an impressive 124.6 points per night while shooting a blistering 50.3 percent from the field. They have their core completely intact and will be looking to build momentum on their home court. With a 5-2 record and sitting fourth in the West, they are in a prime position to capitalize.
Contrast that with the Warriors, who are seventh in the conference at 5-4. Their offense, which averages 117.4 points per game, heavily relies on Curry's 26.8 points per game. Without him, and potentially Butler's 19 points, they are facing a massive offensive void. This game is going to be a true test of their depth and resilience.
What to Expect From Tonight's Showdown
So, what’s the game plan going to look like? With Jokic leading a healthy squad at home, it’s no surprise that the Nuggets are the clear favorites. I'd expect them to push the tempo right from the start, using their depth and fluid ball movement to exploit the Warriors' weakened rotation. They know Golden State is hurting, and they'll likely try to put the game away early.
For the Warriors, this game becomes about grit and strategy. They'll have to rely heavily on defensive adjustments to try and slow down Jokic and the Nuggets' attack. On offense, they’ll need timely perimeter shooting from whoever is on the floor to stay within striking distance. It's a tall order, but this is the kind of game that can reveal the true character of a team.
Even with the lopsided injury report, this matchup still promises some classic NBA drama. It's a fascinating mix of strategy, skill, and sheer determination, which is what makes this inaugural NBA Cup action so compelling. Jokic’s playmaking brilliance, amplified by the energy of the home crowd at Ball Arena, could very well be the deciding factor in what should still be a thrilling contest.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: the Denver Nuggets are coming into this game healthy, confident, and led by arguably the best player in the world right now in Nikola Jokic. On the other side, the Golden State Warriors are facing a major uphill battle, stripped of their superstar leader Stephen Curry and potentially missing another key piece in Jimmy Butler. While Denver is the heavy favorite on paper, you can never completely count out a team with championship DNA. It’s going to be a huge test of Golden State's resilience and a great opportunity for Denver to assert its dominance.
