Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets 5/1/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
West Semifinals – Game 2, DEN leads series 1-0
The Phoenix Suns will try to bounce back from a Game 1 loss when they face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night at Ball Arena. The Suns fell behind 1-0 in the series after losing 125-107 to Denver on Saturday. Kevin Durant scored 29 points for Phoenix, but the team was dominated on the boards 49-38 and gave up 16 turnovers to Denver’s 10.
SG Devin Booker has been the leading scorer for Phoenix in the playoffs, averaging 37.2 points per game, followed by SF Kevin Durant with 28.4 points per game. Center Deandre Ayton has been the top rebounder for Phoenix, grabbing 11.2 rebounds per game, and PG Chris Paul has been the best passer, dishing out 8.2 assists per game. Phoenix has been scoring 120.6 points per game as a team.
- The total went OVER in 10 of Phoenix’s last 12 outings on the road.
- The Phoenix Suns are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games on the road against Denver.
- The total went OVER in 7 of Phoenix’s last 9 games with an opponent in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets 5/1/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
The Denver Nuggets are looking to build on their Game 1 victory and secure a 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Suns. In their previous game, Jamal Murray had a standout performance, scoring an impressive 34 points and making nine assists, including six 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic was a key player for Denver, with 24 points and an impressive 19 rebounds. Jokic is currently the second-leading scorer, rebounder, and assists leader for Denver, averaging 25.9 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game.
Denver has a deep roster, with six players averaging double figures in scoring, and as a team, they are averaging 116.0 points per game. Aaron Gordon also contributed to their Game 1 win with 23 points on nine of 13 shooting. The Nuggets dominated the game from the start, shooting 47 percent from the field and 16 of 37 from the 3-point line, and were never in danger after dominating the second quarter by 37-19. Murray was particularly impressive with six 3-pointers, while Jokic was dominant in the paint, grabbing 19 rebounds, eight of which were offensive boards.
- The Denver Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games at home against Phoenix.
- Denver is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The Nuggets are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games against an opponent in the Pacific Division.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets. The NBA pick for this game is the Denver Nuggets. The Denver Nuggets have a 1-0 advantage in their Western Conference semifinals series against the Phoenix Suns, after a dominant 18-point win in Game 1. Denver has been covering the spread in most of their recent games, while Phoenix has been struggling to cover in their road games. Moreover, Phoenix has not covered the spread in their last four games against Denver. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are likely to lead the way for Denver again, as they pose a tough challenge for the Suns’ defense. We expect a 121-111 win for the Denver Nuggets, who should also cover the spread
NBA Starting Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena in Denver, CO
Date: Monday, May 1, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA Odds: Denver Nuggets -4.5
NBA Totals: 225.5
