Denver @ Golden State preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 2, 2019 ) Denver 102, Golden State 116

The struggling Golden State Warriors look to halt a nine-game losing streak when they host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Golden State hasn't endured a 10-game slide since experiencing one from March 9-24, 2002 during a 21-61 campaign.

The Warriors were pounded 124-97 by the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday for their second straight setback by 20 or more points and that doesn't sit well with Golden State coach Steve Kerr. "We've been competitive for the most part this year and I think right now we're in a tailspin and we've got to stop that," Kerr told reporters. "And the way to stop it is to really fight defensively and play with a sense of desperation, and we've got to get to that. That's the only way we're going to get out of it. Last couple games, I haven't felt like we were very competitive, and that's what we have to get to." Standout Denver point guard Jamal Murray departed Wednesday's 100-86 home victory over the Charlotte Hornets with a left ankle injury late in the first half and X-rays were negative. "I have no idea how long he's going to be out," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters afterward. "Obviously, he's had a issue with ankle injuries. I just looked at it and it's rather large. It's kind of scary."

TIME: 10:30 p.m. ET. TV: TNT, NBCS Bay Area, TSN1

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (28-12): Denver has won 14 of its past 18 games and the latest win came with starters Gary Harris (groin) and Paul Millsap (knee) sidelined in addition to losing Murray. Malone said that Monte Morris will be the starting point guard while Murray is sidelined but PJ Dozier - recalled from the G League - will certainly factor in after scoring 12 points in 13 minutes in his team debut. "I don't know what else PJ can do in the G League," Malone said afterward. "He goes down there and puts up big numbers every night, has an unbelievable attitude, and a great work ethic so I was not surprised by anything he did."

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (9-33): Guard Jacob Evans was taken to a nearby hospital Tuesday after an inadvertent elbow from Dallas forward Dwight Powell smacked into his face and left him prone on the floor for several minutes. Word of how long Evans will be sidelined hasn't yet been revealed but he is just the latest player to go down this season. "It'd be pretty tough for me to complain about the hand I've been dealt," Kerr said. "It's been a pretty good run and it's an incredible organization and great place to live and people to be around. So a lot to be thankful for, and it's a tough season, but this is how it works."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors have won the past three meetings but this is the first matchup this season.

2. Denver F Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 16 points over the past two games.

3. Golden State signed G Damion Lee to a multi-year deal and re-signed recently released PF Marquese Chriss to a two-way contract.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 117, Warriors 112