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Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

What better way to celebrate Christmas than with a sports-watching bonanza? The NFL is joining the party this year, but – as usual – the NBA is the dominant force on the yuletide schedule.

The Christmas Day finale in the NBA pits the Denver Nuggets (16-11) against the Phoenix Suns (14-14) in a huge Western Conference showdown.

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns betting picks and predictions

Denver Nuggets -2.5 (-110)

This is the second leg of a home-and-home series between Denver and Phoenix.

To say that the first matchup did not go well for the Suns would be a gross understatement. They went on the road and got trounced 117-90 by the Nuggets on Monday night.

Playing without Devin Booker, the visitors recorded 12 fewer assists than the Nuggets (35 to 23) and seven fewer rebounds (46 to 39). Both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal scored 23 points in an effort to pick up the slack, but no other player on the roster reached double-figures.

Booker has missed the last two games with a groin injury and seems questionable at best to suit up on Wednesday.

Phoenix was also missing backcourt mate Grayson Allen on Monday after he suffered a concussion during this past Saturday’s 133-125 setback against the Detroit Pistons. There is a good chance Allen is sidelined from Wednesday’s game, as well. 

The infirmary report is expected to be better for the Nuggets, who dominated on Monday despite being without star guard Jamal Murray. Murray’s absence was likely precautionary due to a minor calf injury after he logged 41 minutes during the first leg of a back-to-back situation on Sunday – a 132-129 overtime defeat of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Even when both teams are at full strength, the Nuggets are the superior side. They should be able to win and cover on Christmas. 

Under 234 (-110)

Monday’s game finished with a modest 207 total points. Although the output should increase at least a little bit in the rematch, it’s hard to see it ballooning all the way past 234. 

Phoenix has lost three games in a row and is averaging an underwhelming 108.7 points during this stretch. They have also dropped six of their last eight; in those six setbacks they scored 111.8 points per game. Only three guys are averaging more than 12.8 ppg in 2024-25, so losing Booker’s 25.1 ppg would have a big impact.

For Denver, Nikola Jokic (30.9 ppg) is the only player averaging more than 20 per contest. Any kind of off night endured by the big man can put a real dent in the Nuggets’ offensive effort.  All things considered, the under looks like the best bet to make. 

Jamal Murray Over 20.5 points (-113)

Assuming Murray takes the court for this one, he will be well rested after skipping Monday’s game. That should have him poised to turn in another substantial scoring performance.

The Kentucky product has delivered 28, 24 and 27 points in his last three outings while attempting at least 19 shots from the floor on each occasion. He is 9-for-23 from three-point range during this stretch. Murray scored 28 in his lone appearance against the Suns in 2023/24 and could be in line for a similar showing on Wednesday.  

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NBA on site

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns betting odds 

Denver Nuggets 

-125 ML

Phoenix Suns 

+105 ML

Spread 

DEN -2.5 (-105)

Total Points 

O/U 224

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns player props

Player Points

Nikola Jokic (DEN) 

O/U 30.5

Jamal Murray (DEN) 

O/U 20.5

Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) 

O/U 16.5

Kevin Durant (PHX) 

O/U 29.5

Bradley Beal (PHX) 

O/U 22.5

Tyus Jones (PHX) 

O/U 12.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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