The Denver Nuggets (8-7) visit the Phoenix Suns (8-6) Saturday for the second night in a row. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nuggets-Suns NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Denver rallied back from a 14-point, first-half deficit Friday for a 130-126 overtime victory over the Suns as a 1-point road underdog. There was an awesome battle of bigs with Nuggets’ All-Star C Nikola Jokic matched up against Suns C Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.
Joker nearly posted a triple-double, scoring 31 points with 10 rebounds and 8 assists, while Ayton scored 27 points on 11-for-13 shooting with 13 rebounds. The major storyline for the Suns was their leading-scorer Devin Booker exiting the game in overtime with an injured hamstring and he will be sidelined for Saturday’s rematch.
The season series with these two teams is 1-1 (straight-up and against the spread) with the road team prevailing in each game.
Nuggets at Suns: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Nuggets -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Suns +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread/ATS: Nuggets -2.5 (-110) | Suns +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 215.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Nuggets at Suns: Key Injuries
Nuggets
- PG Jamal Murray (shoulder) questionable
Suns
- SG Devin Booker (hamstring) out
- PF Dario Saric (health and safety protocols) out
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Nuggets at Suns: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Nuggets 116, Suns 104
Money line (ML)
I wrote before Friday’s game that “Phoenix’s defense is a little overrated.” Denver would score 130 points, but the score was eight points above the total heading into overtime.
If things go right early for the Suns Saturday, they have the chance to control the tempo of the game, which is their path to victory. The loss of Booker makes it difficult for Phoenix to win if this turns into a shootout.
Not only does Booker’s absence ding the offense, but the gravitational pull Booker’s offense commands will also make it tougher for Phoenix SF Mikal Bridges to get quality looks.
It’s a lot to ask of the Phoenix role players to make up for the loss of Booker, especially against a Nuggets team that that needs to stack wins in a competitive West.
I lean NUGGETS (-135) only because the Nuggets’ money line is reaching my personal maximum. If it goes up any more, I’d rather bet Nuggets to cover the spread at reduced vig.
Against the spread (ATS)
PASS with a lean on Nuggets -2.5 (-110) because if Denver’s money line gets pricier than -150, I’d prefer to lay the points with the Nuggets.
Over/Under (O/U)
Since I think Phoenix’s defense is overrated, and Denver’s offense is third in offensive rating and eighth in effective field-goal shooting, I’m on the OVER 215.5 (-110) for a bite-sized wager. However, both of these teams are in the bottom-5 in pace of play, so if Denver has an off-night shooting, this game will go Under.
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Also see:
- Warriors’ Green ejected after yelling at rookie teammate Wiseman (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Nuggets | Suns
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