Denver Nuggets Small Favorite (-1 to -3) Betting Trend

The Nuggets' struggles as small favorites stem from their inconsistent approach to games where they're expected to win by narrow margins. Denver has historically been a team that either dominates or gets caught in sluggish performances, particularly when facing opponents they perceive as inferior. This feast-or-famine mentality creates dangerous spots for bettors when the line suggests a competitive matchup. Nikola Jokić's leadership style contributes to this pattern. The reigning Finals MVP tends to facilitate heavily early in games, sometimes allowing opponents to build confidence before asserting dominance. When Denver is laying just a few points, this patient approach often keeps games closer than their talent differential suggests they should be. The team's defensive intensity also fluctuates significantly based on their perceived respect for the opponent. The altitude factor at Ball Arena becomes less advantageous in these small spread scenarios, as visiting teams are typically more prepared for competitive games against quality opponents. Denver's role players also tend to relax when expectations are moderate rather than high. Bettors should be particularly cautious backing the Nuggets as small road favorites or in back-to-back situations where their focus might waver. This trend carries the most weight during regular season stretches when playoff positioning isn't immediately at stake.