The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns lock horns on Tuesday for the final time before the playoffs. The Nuggets have won the season series with a 2-0 lead. Both were blowout wins as Nikola Jokic and Co. claimed a 133-111 win on Oct. 25 and a 130-112 win on Nov. 29.
As things stand, Denver remains the better team, boasting a 44-28 record, the fourth-best record in the West, while the Suns are seventh with a 40-32 record.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Game Details
NBC will nationally televise and Peacock will nationally stream the Nuggets-Suns game online. Altitude will provide local coverage in Denver, while fans globally can catch live action via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 11:00 p.m. ET at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Odds
Moneyline: Nuggets -210, Suns +175
Spread: Nuggets -5 (-113), Suns +5 (-106)
Total over/under: Nuggets o234.5 (-110), Suns u234.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Preview
After struggling for most of the post-All-Star break stretch, the Nuggets have found some consistency over the past seven games. They are 5-2 in this span, registering wins over the Rockets, Spurs, 76ers, Raptors and Trail Blazers. Denver’s offense is posting a 121.2 rating (fourth) and the defense is 109.9 (seventh). With a near 100% healthy roster available, the Nuggets should be able to continue that streak against the shorthanded Suns.
Meanwhile, Phoenix finally broke out of a five-game losing skid after winning its last game on Sunday against the Raptors. Dillon Brook’s absence hurt the team plenty amid its underwhelming run, but a dominant 22-point win result should help the Suns’ confidence. It won’t be as easy against the Nuggets, but if the Suns’ offense can execute early, it can make a notable difference.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Injury Reports
Nuggets
Denver has ruled out Peyton Watson due to injury management.
Suns
The Suns have ruled out Mark Williams (foot), Haywood Highsmith (knee), Dillon Brooks (hand) and Amir Coffey (ankle). Royce O’Neale is probable due to left knee soreness and Grayson Allen is questionable, citing left knee injury management.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Starting Lineups
Nuggets
PG – Jamal Murray, SG – Christian Braun, SF – Cameron Johnson, PF – Aaron Gordon, C – Nikola Jokic
Suns
PG – Collin Gillespie, SG – Jalen Green, SF – Devin Booker, PF – Royce O’Neale, C – Oso Ighodaro
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Prediction
The Nuggets are five-point favorites to win and that’s likely how the game will end. The Nuggets have health on their side and the Suns could miss up to three key rotation players, including two starters.
