Suns vs Nuggets Preview

On Thursday night, the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns will engage in an epic Western Conference battle in the desert as two NBA Championship contenders square off.

Denver enters this game with an overall record of 52-27. They average 115.9 points per contest (10th in the league) while hitting 50.5% from the field, including 38.1% on 3-point shots (939 of 2,462) and 75.1% from the free throw line. As a unit, Denver pulls in 43 rebounds per game while totaling 2,287 dimes this year - ranking 2nd among NBA teams for passing offense. Unfortunately, they turn the ball over 14.5 times per game and commit 18.6 personal fouls per contest as a collective unit.

On defense, the Nuggets force 13.5 turnovers per game and draw 19.6 fouls. They allow 34.4% on shots from distance and rank 9th in NBA in PPG from their opponents (112.5). As a team, Denver allows an effective field goal percentage of 47.8% (3,301 of 6,902) as well as 40.8 boards per game as a unit; currently ranking 15th in assists allowed this season with 2,025 given away to opponents.

Phoenix has a win-loss mark of 44-35 so far this year. As an offensive team, the Suns are shooting 46.8% from the floor, which ranks 22nd in the league. Phoenix has accounted for 8,979 points on the year (113.7 per contest) and they grab 44.3 rebounds per contest. Their rate of assisting teammates is at 27.3 times per contest (4th in the league) and they are losing possession via turnover 13.7 times per contest. The Suns commit 21.4 fouls per game and they connect on 79.3% from the charity stripe.

The Suns are ranked 4th in basketball in PPG given up with 111.3. They are forcing 14.5 TO's per game and allow teams to shoot 46.4% from the floor (5th in the league). The Phoenix defense surrenders 35.6% on 3-pointers (907 of 2,546) and their opposition makes 78.7% of their shots from the charity stripe. They have surrendered 23.3 dimes and 42.7 rebounds every game, which has them ranked 4th and 11th in the NBA.

Head to Head

Suns vs Nuggets Head-to-Head this season.

The Nuggets have won two out of the three games these teams have played this season.

Team Leaders

Our Betting Pick for Today

Betting on the game! Nuggets +7

Last week, the Nuggets could not contain Kevin Durant who scored 30 points on 11-for-15 shooting from the field in their 100-93 victory against Denver. Playing without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., they were utterly outclassed by the Suns. While Jokic and Porter will return this time around, Murray's eventual absence would be a devastating blow for the Nuggets.

I expect a fierce battle between the Suns and Nuggets, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker leading the charge. Denver may boast an excellent offensive team (4th in NBA in adjusted offensive efficiency), but they don't have enough firepower to slow down Phoenix's offense. Phoenix ranks 14th in league-adjusted offensive efficiency - however, this is a much different team with Durant in the lineup.

Still seven points is a lot to give Denver.

Bet the over in this one.

If the previous two games are any indication, I will bet the over on the 227.

Suns vs Nuggets How to Watch ??

?? Date: Thursday, April 06

?? Game Time: 10 pm

?? How to Watch: NBA

Venue: Footprint Center