Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets 5/1/23 – On Saturday night, the Denver Nuggets delivered an emphatic performance against the Phoenix Suns in their second round series opener, winning 125-107 to take an early lead and cover their 4.5 point spread easily. Looking ahead, Denver hopes to extend their advantage against the Suns. NBA betting sites are currently favoring Denver to beat Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets
Date & Time: Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena Denver, CO
TV: TNT
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets 5/1/23 Betting Odds
Suns
Moneyline: +160
Spread: +4.5 (-107)
Total: 227 over (-110)
Nuggets
Moneyline: -180
Spread: -4.5 (-113)
Total: 227 under (-110)
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Analysis
Game 1 ended in defeat for the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 125-107. They finished the contest with a 51.2% field goal percentage and made 7 of 23 attempts from distance while at the free throw line, they converted 14 out of 17 attempts at an 82.4% conversion rate. Regarding rebounding, they managed to accumulate 38 boards – 8 of them on the offensive end – as well as doling out 20 assists during this contest while creating 9 turnovers and 4 steals. As for defense, Phoenix allowed Denver to shoot 47.5% from the field with 48 of 101 attempts, recording 22 assists and 14 steals during the game. Kevin Durant had an outstanding showing during this game. He recorded 29 points on 12 of 19 shooting, played 36 minutes, grabbed 14 rebounds and recorded an efficiency rating of 63.2% from the field while providing 1 assist. Phoenix Suns have averaged 113.6 points per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and are connecting on 37.4% three-point shots and 79.3% from free throw line this season. They have also amassed 44.2 boards per game as a team while dispensing 2,235 dimes — ranking fourth overall in passing out passes this season. On defense, the Suns have forced 14.4 turnovers per game while drawing 19.9 fouls per contest and giving up 35.7% 3-point field goal percentage and currently rank 6th in points per game allowed.
Denver Nuggets allowed Phoenix to capture 38 rebounds in Game 1, shooting 30.4% from distance by connecting on 7 out of 23 shots and 14 out of 17 at the charity stripe. The Nuggets allowed the Suns to make 43 out of 84 attempts from the floor for a 51.2% success rate in this matchup; when all was said and done, Denver shot 48 out of 101 field goals for 47.5% accuracy in return. Denver was successful at shooting 3-pointers, sinking 16 out of 37 attempts with 13 making baskets for an 86.7% success rate. The Nuggets grabbed 49 total boards – 33 defensive and 16 offensive boards in total for this matchup. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets in this game with 13 out of 24 field goal attempts for 54.2% field goal percentage and five rebounds to his credit, scoring 34 points while playing 37 minutes of basketball while dishing out 9 assists total. As an offensive team, the Denver Nuggets have hit on 50.4% from the floor this season – which ranks first among NBA teams. The Denver defense allows 34.4% of shots from beyond the arc to their opponents and 77.5 % of shots taken at the free throw line are successfully made by them.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Against the Spread
Phoenix are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix’s last 5 games. Phoenix are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games. Phoenix are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against Denver. Phoenix are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games against Denver.
Denver are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver’s last 5 games. Denver are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games. The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver’s last 7 games against Phoenix. Denver are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games at home.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Free Pick
This series has largely been determined by Denver, their depth, and their dominance at home more than anything. They average 10.2 point wins while shooting 51.2% from the field; additionally, Suns lack any depth after trading Durant away and continue playing Booker and Durant exclusively. According to NBA betting picks today, the Denver Nuggets should win this matchup.
Free Pick: Denver Nuggets -4.5 (-113)
