Warriors vs. Nuggets: Will the losing streak hit double digits?

The Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets are briefly meeting tonight in San Francisco, before they swiftly move on in completely different directions. For better, for worse, and certainly not for the awareness of Alen Smailagic, the teams are meeting on national TV, at 7:30 p.m. PT on TNT.

Golden State has lost nine games in a row. They’re trying to avoid their first double digit losing streak since . . . /checks notes . . . you know what, let’s not go there. We’re only a few weeks into a new year. It’s time to stay positive.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Nuggets have, after a slow start, climbed near the top of the Western Conference standings. At 28-12, the Nuggets are tied for the second seed out West. In their last 18 games, they’ve gone 14-4.

Denver isn’t at full strength. Starting point guard Jamal Murray will miss the game due to an ankle sprain.

The Nuggets, of course, will get no sympathy from the Warriors, who are without their all-world starting backcourt. And hey, speaking of which...

Returning for the Warriors are Damion Lee and Marquese Chriss, who have their respective contracts finalized. Chriss will be sporting a new look in his return: a mask. According to the team, Chriss broke his nose during the team’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves two weeks ago.

Can the Warriors get their first win of the decade, against Nikola Jokic’s crew?

Umm . . . probably not. But Let’s Go Warriors, nonetheless.