This is a rematch from last year’s Western Conference semifinals in which Phoenix swept Denver. The Nuggets cannot change that outcome but they could dampen the party of Suns fans in both teams’ season lid-lifter.
It was a magical year for the Phoenix Suns, reaching the NBA Finals after just missing the playoffs the year before after an 8-0 finish in the Orlando Bubble. Those games set the table for last year’s success and the players bought into it and worked to achieve it.
Denver was again having a very good season and finished as the third-seed in the West just behind Phoenix, but the loss of Jamal Murray was devastating and they were no match in the playoffs for the Suns.
Online sportsbooks like GTbets have established Phoenix as a six-point favorite with a total of 223.5. Though the betting odds seem correct, is that the way it will play out?
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 – 10:00 PM EDT at Footprint Center
Denver Has the Joker and Hopes All the Wild Cards Come Through
With no Murray until likely the last quarter of the regular season, Denver has its work cut out for them. The Nuggets will miss Murray, but they learned to play without a year ago and have the anchors to still have success.
The centerpiece is their center Nikola Jokic, who is a do-everything offensive player, who makes everyone around him better. Jokic and his coach Michael Malone have a great relationship and that is one of the bedrock of Denver’s success, the trust between the Nuggets coaching staff and its players.
With no Murray, it will again be a point guard committee. Malone has options and he can mix and match depending on the opponent. That’s why you will see a mixture of Monte Morris, Facundo Campazzo and rookie Bones Hyland, looking to feed The Joker and the likes of Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon.
What Does Phoenix Do for an Encore?
With most sportsbooks having the Suns sixth or seventh for betting odds to win the NBA championship, the general consensus is Phoenix maxed out last year. That’s not to say Monty Williams’ crew won’t have an excellent year, it’s just there might be a few more bumps in the road.
There is every reason to believe that Devin Booker will become an even larger star, having gone through a year with Chris Paul and learning what it takes to go deep in The Finals. The same would also be true of cornerstones forward Mikal Bridges and center Deandre Ayton. The Suns big man really blossomed in the postseason.
However, Milwaukee showed how to get Paul out of his game and at 37, his upside is minimal and will likely need more bench time to keep him fresh for spring basketball.
Also, keep an eye on Ayton’s play after Phoenix extended Bridges contract, but not his. All the pieces are there for the Suns to have another superlative season, it just depends on health and continued growth.
Nuggets vs. Suns Free Pick Prediction
In making an NBA pick for this matchup, one cannot overlook Denver’s injury report. On it are Jokic, Porter Jr., P.J. Dozier and JaMychal Green, all listed as day to day with various ailments. If they are available, the Nuggets have a realistic chance to beat the spread. If Jokic or Porter Jr. are in street clothes, advantage Phoenix.
For wagering, it’s best to take a wait-and-see approach and find out who is playing and grab the best line possible. Though we like the revenge angle for Denver, we’re just not sure enough where the visitor is physically and if Phoenix and Paul start playing fast and loose against depleted troops, this could get ugly fast.
I’m going to take the Suns, not sure what to make of Denver.
NBA Picks: Suns -6 (-110) at GTbets (visit our GTbets Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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