While he can't be expected to drop 50 in this one, it certainly wouldn't be out of the question. The last time Booker played, he was phenomenal, scoring 58 points while going 21-of-35 from the field. Booker is expected to return following a three-game absence and instantly boosts Phoenix's chance to cover. Phoenix has struggled with star Devin Booker out with a groin injury. The Suns are also a solid rebounding team that ranks 12th in rebound differential and 11th in rebound rate. They're strong defensively, ranking ninth in points allowed and 11th in defensive rating. Phoenix features an elite offense that ranks 10th in scoring and second in offensive rating. However, they remain one of the most well-rounded teams in the league when everything is clicking. The Suns have had an uncharacteristically inconsistent season despite their strong record. Under: 231.5 (-110) Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread Here are the Suns-Nuggets NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel NBA Odds: Suns-Nuggets Odds Last season, Phoenix took two of three games. This will be the first of four meetings between the two teams. Denver, meanwhile, has won four of its last five to bump them into first place in the West. The Nuggets are 14-17 against the spread while 55% of their games have gone under. The Suns are 17-16 against the spread while 53% of their games have gone under. Phoenix enters Sunday's matchup after losing back-to-back home games but still sits in fourth place in the Western Conference. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Suns-Nuggets prediction and pick. Because of that, along with more familiarity throughout their roster, I am going with Denver to win this series in seven games.Īt DraftKings Sportsbook, the Nuggets are early 2.5-point favorites at home against the Suns in Game 1, with the point total currently set at 225.The Phoenix Suns (19-14) visit the Denver Nuggets (20-11) in a Christmas Day matchup. Over the 2022-23 season, the Nuggets were 34-7 in their own building. Naturally, it can be tough for opposing teams to adjust to the altitude of 5,280 feet. On the perimeter, we know Chris Paul and Devin Booker will look to push the pace, but with Denver now at full strength, who will hold the edge? For me, I lean toward the homecourt advantage in the Mile High. It will be interesting to see how Durant and fellow seven-footer Deandre Ayton protect the paint against Jokic, who seemingly has a bottomless offensive bag. With that said, both sides will need to be ready for a much more formidable foe in the conference semis. Both Denver and Phoenix had expeditious opening playoff series this year, eliminating their respective opponents in five games. I believe this series has the potential to be the most entertaining of the postseason, and when you consider the already turbulent first round, that is truly saying something. Admittedly, this series is tough to get a true feel for. Kevin Durant was still a member of the Brooklyn Nets when the Nuggets and Suns first met in 2022-23, and reigning two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic missed the last two meetings. Despite four games against each other, we have yet to see what the matchup looks like with both sides at full strength. Denver won the first two games, while Phoenix took the back two. These teams split four meetings during the regular season. Regular season record: Nuggets 53-29, Suns 45-37 Odds to win series: Suns -140, Nuggets +120 Despite the fact the the Nuggets were the Western Conference’s top seed for much of the 2022-23 season, Phoenix enters as favorite to win the overall series at DraftKings Sportsbook. 1 Denver Nuggets to start their Western Conference semifinal playoff series at Ball Arena on Saturday. 4 Phoenix Suns will travel for Game 1 against the No.
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