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

Eight places in the standings separate the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets going into Friday night’s clash in Colorado, with the hosts hanging onto the coattails of the top two in the West.

Michael Malone’s men are third in their Conference with a 40-22 record, 11 games ahead of their opponents at the Ball Arena.

The Suns head to Denver having lost seven of their last 10 games and their recent form suggests they could be on the end of a heavy defeat against the Nuggets.

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets betting picks and predictions

Denver Nuggets -9.0 (+120)

This will be the fourth time these two teams have met this season, with the Nuggets winning two of the previous three matchups.

Denver won the first encounter by 27 points at the Ball Arena on December 23rd, and two days later the teams clashed at the Footprint Center.

The Suns won that 110-100 before another success for the Nuggets, this time in Arizona, when they recorded a 122-105 W.

The 2023 champions sit third in the points-scoring chart, averaging 121.0 points per game compared to 113.8 for the Suns.

Since the end of January, only the Los Angeles Lakers have won at the Ball Arena and Denver have scored over 130 points in seven of their last 20 games, home or away.

Phoenix has a losing record against franchises in the West, beaten in 21 of their 40 matchups with teams from their own conference.

Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal managed just 15 minutes of Tuesday’s win over the LA Clippers due to a calf injury.

The veteran is expected to play a part in Denver, while Cody Martin will miss his 20th consecutive game as he continues his rehabilitation from a hernia problem.

The one concern for Denver going into Friday’s clash is the fitness of their main man, Nikola Jokic, who is listed as doubtful.

The seven-time NBA All-Star, who has missed just six games all season, has inflammation in his left ankle and a late decision will be made on his availability. If Jokic doesn’t make it, DeAndre Jordan and Zeke Nnaji are likely to be handed more time on the court.

Regardless of whether the Nuggets' key player can suit up, back the home team to win big based on recent results.

Jamal Murray Over 22.5 Points (-115)

With fitness concerns surrounding Jokic, Jamal Murray may be needed to deliver a big game to make sure the Nuggets secure another victory.

The point guard is currently sat inside the top-30 of the league’s scoring charts, averaging 21.4 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 47.5.

Murray racked up 24 points in Thursday’s 116-110 win over the Sacramento Kings, following on from firing 26 in the weekend defeat to Boston.

The 28-year-old top scored with 30 when the two teams met last month and fired 28 in an OT loss to Phoenix last season. He should be able to go Over 22.5 points in this one.

Phoenix Suns: Under 115.5 Points (-110)

The 29-33 Suns have been struggling in and around the paint in recent weeks, with Mike Budenholzer’s roster scoring over 130 points in just two of their last 16 games and averaging the second-fewest points in the paint (42.8) in their last 10 games.

It’s not a surprise that Phoenix have won just three times in their last 10, and their play-in hopes have taken a big hit since the start of February.

Part of the reason for their poor run is Devin Booker’s recent frustration around the hoop, with the shooting guard scoring 17 points in each of the Suns’ last three games.

It’s also worth noting that Phoenix were held to just 90 points on their last visit to the Ball Arena and they may struggle to do much better than that in this matchup.

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Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets odds

Phoenix Suns	+235 ML
Denver Nuggets	-290 ML
Spread	DEN Nuggets -9.0
Total Points	O/U 238.5

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets player props

Player Points

Nikola Jokic (DEN Nuggets)	O/U 27.5
Kevin Durant (PHX Suns)	O/U 25.5
Devin Booker (PHX Suns)	O/U 24.5
Jamal Murray (DEN Nuggets)	O/U 22.5
Bradley Beal (PHX Suns)	O/U 17.5
Michael Porter Jr (DEN Nuggets)	O/U 18.5

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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.