Neither team was afforded first-round challenges that pushed them too hard. That’s not to say the fallen teams didn’t show any moxie, but both the Suns and Nuggets emerged from round one as 4-1 winners. Furthermore, both Phoenix and Denver were expected to make it at least this far in the postseason, especially the latter as the conference’s number-one seed.

As for Game 1, the NBA odds determine that this should be a close one. The host Nuggets are only -2.5 favourites, with the total tabulated at 226.5.

Suns vs. Nuggets NBA Playoffs Betting Odds

On a macro level, things get interesting. Yes, Denver has home-court advantage for its journey through the Western Conference, however long said adventure lasts. However, Phoenix is pinned as the series favourite, albeit not by much at -147. The Nuggets are +110.

The regular campaign featured four clashes, the first two of which were earned by Denver and the final couple by Phoenix. All tilts were won by whoever played at home. A key factor to consider: Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant have not stepped onto the court at the same time so far this year for their teams.

Incidentally, despite taking care of the Los Angeles Clippers 4-1, the Suns are only 2-3 against the spread at this stage in the playoffs. Three of their bouts saw the over connect, one favoured the under, and there was one push.

The Nuggets are 3-2 ATS in the playoffs. They began 3-0 with a trio of relatively easy wins over the Timberwolves before the latter snatched Game 4 in overtime and made the fifth contest closer than anticipated. The over has connected thrice, with an under and a push.

Phoenix Suns

The first round contest versus the Clippers went about as smoothly as it could have. The lone surprise was that L.A. came into the desert for Game 1 and genuinely outplayed the favoured Suns. From that point onward, Phoenix collected itself, played terrific basketball, and benefitted from some good fortune as Kawhi Leonard missed the final three dates due to injury.

They may want to be weary about their defence. They gave up 115.6 points per game against the Clippers, four more than their regular season effort which earned than a sixth-place ranking in the league. In fact, they gave up more points per contest than three clubs already eliminated at the time of writing (Nets, Cavaliers, Timberwolves). Conversely, Devin Booker reminded everyone how terrific he can be, averaging 37.2 points, second only behind Miami’s Jimmy Buckets. They also scored a ton as a collective, averaging 122.0 in round one. Booker, KD, Deandre Ayton in the key, Torrey Craig, all these guys will need to come up big against a Denver defence that was good for eighth during the regular season.

Denver Nuggets

It’s funny how a playoff series can sometimes evolve. Through three games it looked like Denver and Minnesota were worlds apart as far as quality. But then the Wolves stole the fourth game in overtime and made themselves as annoying as possible in Game 5, forcing the Nuggets were work their tails off to finally capture the series.

Canadian Jamal Murray has looked like the Murray of old, in particular the one who went off in the 2020 bubble. He’s averaging 27.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists a night. The Joker is doing what the Joker does with 12 rebounds, nine assists and 26.2 points. What’s helped pave the way for success is the supporting cast’s play, most notably Michael Porter Jr., Bruce Brown, and Aaron Gordon. This could be a series in which the winner needs to steal a road game at some point. Phoenix’s home record was a sparkling 28-13, and the Nuggets were even better at 34-7.

Game 1 Prediction: Who Will Win Suns vs. Nuggets?

SUNS

Away

112

NUGGETS

Home

114

Score
Predictions

Matchup