(Photo : Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) DENVER, COLORADO – Kevin Durant (#35) of the Phoenix Suns throws up a shot towards Nikola Jokic (#15) and Jamal Murray (#27) of the Denver Nuggets within the fourth quarter throughout Game Five of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena on May 09, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.
The Phoenix Suns host their Western Conference rivals, the Denver Nuggets, on Friday, December 1, on the Footprint Center with tip-off at 10:00 P.M. E.T.
The Nuggets vs. Suns encounter would be the first time the 2 Western Conference heavyweights will face off, with each groups hoping to maintain their respective streaks going.
The Suns will attempt to prolong their house streak, whereas the Nuggets hope to stretch their win to 4 video games. They defeated the Houston Rockets of their final task, 134-124, on November 29. Before that, the reigning NBA champions additionally received over the Los Angeles Clippers (113-104) and the San Antonio Spurs (132-120).
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As for Phoenix, the Suns misplaced to the Toronto Raptors final day out, 112-105, and can attempt to get again on the profitable monitor.
Nuggets vs. Suns Odds
Despite being the visiting crew, the Nuggets are 1.5-point unfold favorites to prevail over the Suns, per the Action Network. The Moneyline for this recreation is -118 for Denver and +100 for Phoenix.
The Suns, one of many favorites this season, has but to absolutely get pleasure from having the large three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal taking part in concurrently. Beal stays out with a again challenge, per ESPN.
Nikola Jokic continues to hold the Nuggets on his shoulders. Jamal Murray can be again in motion, returning towards the Rockets by way of NBA.com. Hence, the Suns might have their work minimize out for them on Friday.
Nuggets vs. Suns Preview
The Nuggets seem primed to get their 14th win of the season, with the Suns coping with the damage bug. Aside from Beal being out, Booker can be questionable for the sport.
The three-time All-Star sprained his ankle of their loss to the Raptors within the third quarter. Although he managed to return, Booker was visibly bothered and completed with solely 8 factors on 2-of-12 capturing, CBS Sports reported.
“We probably would’ve told him to sit down and get his ankle right, but he just loves the team so much, he loves helping us win,” Durant mentioned about Booker. “Hopefully, the next couple of days, get some treatment and his ankle gets better.”
Booker and Beal’s absence will probably be an enormous blow to the offensive of the Suns. They are presently on the seventh spot in offensive scores with a 117.5. The Nuggets path on the eighth spot, with a 117.1 per NBA.com.
While Durant will probably attempt to lead the crew, he might have issues towards the Nuggets protection. Denver owns a defensive ranking of 112.2, good for thirteenth place amongst different groups. The Suns are within the 18th spot with a 113.9, which means head coach Frank Vogel must discover a method to enhance that towards a crew that boasts of Jokic and Murray amongst others.
Nuggets vs Suns Pick
With Booker probably out and leaving Durant all by his lonesome, the Nuggets ought to decide up the win.
However, the Suns aren’t anticipated handy it on a silver platter. They have a homecourt benefit, however it is going to take greater than that to foil the defending NBA champions.
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