Suns vs Nuggets Odds: Denver Ready to Roll Again

Suns Poised for Response

The Phoenix Suns will look for a much improved effort when they take the floor for Game 2 of their Western Conference semi-final series with the Denver Nuggets. Let’s dive into our Suns vs Nuggets Odds preview and see what we can find for bettors ahead of Game 2.

The Nuggets reminded everyone just why they are the number one seed in the West with an impressive offensive showing last time out. Denver finished with a 1.28 points per possession average in that Game 1 rout and were relentless across the board as they dominated all the key metrics in this one.

The Suns meanwhile will know they need to be far better in hustle stats if they’re to compete on the road against an offensive juggernaut. Coach Monty Williams lamented his teams efforts in Game 1 and said they gave themselves no chance by failing to compete.

Denver is currently 4.5-point favorites for Game 2 and the total has jumped up slightly to 227.0 points.

Coach Monty Challenges Players

There was a clear point of emphasis from Monty Williams after that Game 1 loss on Saturday – not enough effort.

“I thought that they were just more physical, played with more force, especially in the second quarter, that’s when we kind of lost some momentum. The difference is in possessions, turnovers, and offensive rebounds. They just destroyed us tonight,” said Williams after the game.

Denver finished Game 1 with 16 more field goal attempts than the Suns. Simply put, that’s far too much for any team to have to overcome in the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets were +11 in rebounding and their 16 Offensive Rebounds were double what the Suns were able to produce.

Denver was also +6 in turnovers and won the points off turnovers battle 16-10. While the shooting numbers by some of Denver’s role players meant it was always a tough ask to win a game of that nature they simply gave themselves 0 chance with their lack of effort in other areas.

Phoenix recorded a 55.4% Effective Field Goal average in Game 1, which was actually higher than what Denver finished the game. They had an advantage in Free Throw Rate and points in the paint – all things that can be replicated in Game 2 given their advantages in the midrange and ability to attack the basket.

If coach Williams can get his players to properly buy into their off-ball responsibilities there’s no reason why they can’t give themselves a shot at winning Game 2 and returning home with the series all square given they own two of the NBA points leaders this season in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Can Denver Control Pace?

The Denver Nuggets had everything go their way in Game 1, but one thing they need to ensure remains in their power is the pace of play.

The Nuggets halfcourt offense is as good as any team in the league, but their defense has always remained questionable at best. That said, they were excellent at getting stops when playing in the halfcourt and held Phoenix to just 0.89 points per play.

The early exchanges in transition certainly suited the Suns offense and they finished the game +4.3 points per 100 possessions when in transition while scoring 1.42 points per possession.

That was the key area for the Suns that they exploited well and one that Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone will be looking to prevent from happening.

Phoenix started the third quarter of Game 1 with two quick transition buckets and Malone immediately called timeout to remind his players that they simply cannot afford to let that happen.

If they can again be the ones dictating the pace of play and having Phoenix battle against their strengths they’ll be in the best possible position to defend home court and take a 2-0 series lead to Arizona.

Denver has again shown how difficult they can be on their home floor, with the NBA schedule 2023 season highlighting them as one of the best home court teams in the league. If they can lean on their home comforts and execute at the same level they have been in front of their fans they’ll be tough to beat in Game 2 and the series.

Looking at the current markets it’s clear we’re paying a premium to bet on the Nuggets right now and the best way to approach this game might be to look at betting on the Nuggets Team Total instead. The Over 115.5 points is well priced and the mismatches the Nuggets provide with Nikola Jokic means you’ll always be able to rely on them getting the open looks they want across the floor.

That’s all for our Suns vs Nuggets Odds preview. Make sure you check out all our NBA Playoff previews to help you find the best bets in the marketplace.

For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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