Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (4/6/23)
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The Denver Nuggets visit the Phoenix Suns in a big Western Conference clash. The Nuggets are coming off a shocking road loss to the Rockets while the Suns are coming off an easy home win against the Spurs. My prediction is that the Suns cover the 10.5-point spread against the Nuggets. The load management and injury issues the Nuggets have is too much, and the Suns have been great ever since Kevin Durant joined them. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Prediction
The Pick: Phoenix Suns -10.5
The Phoenix Suns are one of the best teams in the NBA this season if they can stay healthy and that’s been proven with Kevin Durant in the lineup they’re 7-0.
Devin Booker is still this teams leader and the Suns go as he goes this season. He leads the team in scoring at 28 PPG and is in the middle of the best scoring of his career, when he averaged over 30 points for the month of March. Kevin Durant has been great since he joined the Suns so far and the team is undefeated with him in the lineup. He averages 26 PPG and is tied for the lead in blocks with Bismack Biyombo at 1.4 steals per game. Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul are also huge keys to what the Phoenix Suns can do this season in the playoffs. Ayton averages 18 PPG and leads the team in rebounding at 10 per game, while Paul averages 14 PPG and leads the team in assists at 9 per game and in steals at 1.6 per game.
The Suns have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this year. The Suns are 4th in points allowed at 111.3 PPG, 11th in rebounds at 44.3, 7th in blocks at 5.2 per game, and 7th in defensive rating at 112. They’re also 9th in point differential at +2.3.
On the other side, the Nuggets have dominated the Western Conference this year.
Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. are all questionable to play in this game and they’re the bulk of the Nuggets’ offense. Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Reggie Jackson will need to be the three to step up the most in this game. Brown averages 11 PPG, Jeff Green averages 8 PPG, and Reggie Jackson averages 7 PPG on the season. If none of those other players play, then Brown, Green, and Jackson need to do the heavy-lifting against a juggernaut of a Suns team.
The Nuggets will be over-matched in this game against the Suns. It’s in Phoenix and the Suns are healthy compared to Denver. This game should be a blowout in favor of the Suns and they should cover pretty easily.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
The Phoenix Suns are a 10.5-point home favorite against the Denver Nuggets and are at -520 on the money line. The over/under is also at 224. It makes sense that the Suns are favored in this game because they’re at home and healthy, while the Nuggets are dealing with a lot of injuries and potentially resting a few players too. The over/under also makes sense because of how good the Suns are at defending and because of the high-profile injuries the Nuggets have on their roster.
Betting Trends
Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Key Matchups
Can Jeff Green matchup with Kevin Durant? Can Josh Okogie matchup with Bruce Brown?
Kevin Durant vs. Jeff Green
Kevin Durant has been great since he was traded to the Suns. He averages 29 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Jeff Green most of the game, who averages 8 points, 1 assist, and 3 rebounds per game. Green is a decent player, but Durant is almost unstoppable on offense. He’s reason enough to bet the Suns to cover the 10.5-point spread.
Bruce Brown vs. Josh Okogie
Bruce Brown might end up being the highest scorer in this game for Denver. Brown averages 11 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Josh Okogie most of the game, who averages 7 points, 1 assist, and 3 rebounds per game. Okogie has been a very good role player for Phoenix, so this could be a big matchup in this game, but Phoenix should still cover the 10.5-point spread.
Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup
PG: Bruce Brown
SG: Christian Braun
SF: Peyton Watson
PF: Jeff Green
C: Thomas Bryant
Phoenix Suns Starting Lineups
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Josh Okogie
PF: Kevin Durant
C: Deandre Ayton
Key Injuries
Denver Nuggets Injuries: PG Jamal Murray (Thumb) Q, C Nikola Jokic (Calf) Q
Phoenix Suns Injuries: None
