Both games are shaped by thin rotations: one home side is missing guards, and one visitor is missing its tallest players. Early-season samples are small, but the absences are named and recent.
Charlotte against Washington: Charlotte has White, Knueppel, Williams and Boswell listed out, with Naz Reid doubtful with illness, leaving Schroder and James to run the backcourt. Charlotte shoots about 41 percent and its fourth-quarter scoring is its weakest stretch, while Washington shoots nearly 46 percent and scores about 28 a quarter, with Young creating. Washington's one absence was already absorbed in its last win. I expect Charlotte to stay close or lose, so I'm siding with Washington to keep it within the margin.
Denver against Golden State: Golden State is 0-3, conceding about 123 a game, without Butler and Porzingis, and with Bassey, Santos and Williams doubtful, so the rim and rebounding load falls on a small group and Curry has to carry the perimeter. Denver is at home with level rest and its missing players are wing and bench roles. That's why I'm siding with Denver to win.
