Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Game 2 Prediction and Odds: 2023 NBA Playoffs

Now into the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets looked like a formidable No. 1 seed in Saturday night’s 125-107 win over the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant is 12-2 when he plays for the Suns, but he must clean up the turnovers he had in Game 1.

[nsn_tip count=2 tip1=”Phoenix Suns +4.5″ reason1=”” odds1=”10/11 (-110)” logo1=”https://punditfeed.com/app/uploads/nsntips/williamhill.png” bookmaker1=”williamhill” url1=”https://punditfeed.com/go-williamhill” tip2=”Kevin Durant Over 4.5 Assists” reason2=”” odds2=”20/21 (-105)” logo2=”https://punditfeed.com/app/uploads/nsntips/williamhill.png” bookmaker2=”williamhill” url2=”https://punditfeed.com/go-williamhill” target=”undefined” color_cta=”#000000″ text_cta=”white”]

These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns – Game Predictions

The Nuggets are a 4.5-point home favorite with a total of 227 points. Denver is 5-3 ATS as a favorite of 4 or 4.5 points this season. Historically, the Nuggets are 6-7 in playoff series when leading 1-0, which is not a good record.

Prediction 1: Phoenix Suns to Cover the Spread (+4.5)

The Suns lost Game 1 against the Clippers too before winning the next four games. The Suns cover 56.8% of spreads this season following a loss. Head coach Monty Williams is 6-2 after a double-digit loss in the playoffs with the Suns since 2021. Phoenix lost Game 1 despite shooting 51.2% from the field – Suns are 17-3 when shooting over 50% this season. Let’s count on Phoenix to cut into that 3-point shooting differential (minus-27 points) and turnover margin (minus-7) that plagued them in Game 1 and play with some desperation to take Game 2.

Prediction 2: Kevin Durant Over 4.5 Assists

No doubt, Durant was sloppy with the ball in Game 1 with those 7 turnovers, but his teammates also did not come through for him as they were 1-for-6 on his potential assists. Compare that to Devin Booker, who saw the Suns shoot 8-for-8 on his potential assists, and it is no wonder why Booker had nearly half of his team’s assists. Look for Durant to control the ball better and get better shooting from his teammates to get over 4.5 assists, something he has done in 12 of his last 16 playoff games.

Nuggets vs Suns Preview – Can Phoenix Defend?

The Suns actually averaged more made threes per game (12.2) than the Nuggets (11.8) this season, but it still feels like Phoenix does not take as many threes as we expect with the talented roster. If Denver’s hot shooting does not cool down, it will be hard to even this series and avoid the 0-2 trap.

Denver Nuggets News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

For the second game in a row, neither team is reporting any injuries, which is incredible if you look at what is going on around the NBA this postseason. Denver has to feel good about Jamal Murray’s 34 points in Game 1. Can he do it again, and if not, will one of Aaron Gordon or Michael Porter Jr. step up for the Nuggets? That is always the question with this team as they look to give Nikola Jokic the help he needs to reach the NBA Finals.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report:

No injuries to report ahead of Game 2

Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup:

Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.

Phoenix Suns News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

The Suns are looking to start Josh Okogie instead of Torrey Craig like in Game 1. But they will need to find a way to cut into the rebounding, turnover, and 3-point shooting battles they all lost in Game 1 as the Nuggets just looked like the superior team starting in the second quarter. Devin Booker needs to be more aggressive after only going 0-for-1 from three, and Chris Paul failed to log a single rebound for the second time in his playoff career (148 games) despite playing 32 minutes.

Phoenix Suns Injury Report:

No injuries to report ahead of Game 2

Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup:

Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton.

Nuggets vs Suns Head to Head Record In 2023

The Nuggets are now 3-2 against the Suns this season, but maybe the most important record is 3-0 when Jokic plays. Everything starts with him in Denver.