Suns vs. Nuggets Prediction & Odds
The fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns travel to Denver to take on the top-seeded Nuggets on TNT Saturday night at 8:30 PM ET in Game 1 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Can the Nuggets cover the 3-point spread as home favorites?
The series is tied 0-0.
The Phoenix Suns went 45-37 in the regular season. They are 4-1 in the playoffs this season. The Suns are 44-41-2 ATS on the year.
The Denver Nuggets went 53-29 in the regular season. They’re 4-1 in the playoffs this season. The Nuggets are 47-39-1 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
553 Phoenix Suns (+3) at 554 Denver Nuggets (-3); O/U 226
8:30 PM ET, Saturday, April 29, 2023
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Suns vs. Nuggets Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 55% of public bettors are currently backing the Nuggets -3 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.
Phoenix Suns DFS Spin
Phoenix point guard Chris Paul is still going strong at age 37. In the Suns’ first-round series against the Clippers, Paul averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. His playoff experience could make him a valuable DFS player on Saturday.
Suns small forward Torrey Craig has been the team’s fifth-leading scorer in the 2023 playoffs. Craig is pouring in 12.4 points per game while shooting a blistering 64.7% from the field and 55.6% in five postseason games for the Suns this year. He may have some open looks against Denver on Saturday, making him a viable option in DFS.
Denver Nuggets DFS Spin
Denver power forward Aaron Gordon has been shooting well this season. The former top-5 pick out of Arizona shot 56.4% from the floor in the regular season, and he’s converting 50% of his field goal attempts in the postseason thus far. Gordon could be worth a look in DFS due to his efficient scoring (13.4 points per game) and rebounding (7 rebounds per game).
Nuggets shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has started all five playoff games for Denver and is fourth on the team in minutes with 33 per game. Caldwell-Pope averaged 15 points per game in two Denver wins over Phoenix in the regular season, and the Nuggets’ shooting guard will likely get enough good looks to hit that number again on Saturday.
Suns vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Trends
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
Denver is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games.
Denver is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 second-round playoff games.
Suns vs. Nuggets NBA Prediction
The Suns have bounced back nicely after not covering their previous game as they are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss. Phoenix has some older players on their roster, so they benefit from extended rest. The Suns are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 3 or more days’ rest. The final and most telling trend is how Phoenix plays in Denver. The Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against the Nuggets in Denver. This could be a long series, but I like the Suns to steal Game 1 or come very close to doing so. I’ll take Phoenix and the points on the road on Saturday night.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: PHOENIX SUNS +3
