Nuggets vs. Suns Prediction & Odds
The top-seeded Denver Nuggets travel to Phoenix to take on the #4-seed Suns on ESPN Friday night at 10:00 PM ET in Game 3 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Can the Suns cover the 4-point spread as home favorites?
Denver leads the series 2-0.
The Denver Nuggets went 53-29 in the regular season. They are 6-1 in the playoffs this year. The Nuggets are 49-39-1 ATS on the campaign.
The Phoenix Suns went 45-37 in the regular season. They’re 4-3 in the playoffs this year. The Suns are 44-43-2 ATS this season.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
531 Denver Nuggets (+4) at 532 Phoenix Suns (-4); O/U 224
10:00 PM ET, Friday, May 5, 2023
Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Nuggets vs. Suns Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 52% of public bettors are currently backing the Nuggets +4 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Denver Nuggets DFS Spin
Denver point guard Jamal Murray has been tremendous for the Nuggets in the postseason thus far. In 7 playoff games, Murray is putting up 25.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 3.4 made three-pointers per game. You may have to pay a premium in DFS, but Murray might be worth it this weekend.
Denver shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a key postseason contributor in 2023. Caldwell-Pope is shooting the lights out to the tune of 44.1% on three-pointers while taking 4.9 deep attempts per game. KCP’s overall stat line of 10.9 points, 3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 made three-pointers per game could offer some value in most DFS formats on Friday.
Phoenix Suns DFS Spin
The Suns will be without one of their best players on Friday night. Phoenix point guard Chris Paul has been ruled out of Game 3 with a left groin strain. Paul had been averaging 12.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game in the postseason. Paul will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by small forwards Josh Okogie or Torrey Craig.
For a deep sleeper at small forward, consider the Suns’ Josh Okogie. The former first-round pick out of Georgia Tech averaged 9.3 points per game in four regular season contests against Denver this season and should get some additional minutes due to the absence of Chris Paul on Friday.
Nuggets vs. Suns NBA Betting Trends
Phoenix is 23-20-1 ATS at home this season.
Phoenix is 19-15-1 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Phoenix is 21-17-1 ATS after a loss this year.
Denver is 20-23 ATS on the road this season.
Nuggets vs. Suns NBA Prediction
The Nuggets won the first two games of this series by double digits and in decisive fashion. It appears that Denver might be the clear-cut best team in the Western Conference. But I think the Suns may have something to say about that. Phoenix went 28-13 straight-up at home in the regular season, and they’ve only lost once at home so far in these playoffs. The absence of Chris Paul may mean that Phoenix will shoot more three-pointers, and that may be their only shot to keep pace with Denver’s high-powered offense. They say the series doesn’t start until the home team loses a game, and I believe that Phoenix will come out firing on Friday night and protect their home court. I’ll lay the points with the Suns at home.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: PHOENIX SUNS -4
