8:10 pm
June 13

Suns @ Nuggets

Who will WIN this matchup?

Phoenix Suns (51-21)

@ Denver Nuggets (47-25)

 

Current odds:

Phoenix Suns: (-145)

Denver Nuggets: (+125)

 

• The spread for the game is Phoenix by 3 points.

• Nikola Jokic received his MVP award before Game 3 on Friday night, an official recognition that the Denver Nuggets star is the top player in the NBA this season. The Phoenix Suns promptly showed they are the better team with a convincing win following the ceremony. Phoenix now leads the series 3-0 and has a chance to close out the Nuggets with a win in Game 4 in Denver on Sunday night.

• The problem for Denver is the talent level. The Phoenix backcourt duo of Paul and Devin Booker has completely outplayed the Nuggets’ guards. Paul is averaging 17.7 points and 11.3 assists, and Booker is averaging 23.6 points in the series.

• Denver was able to overcome the loss of Jamal Murray against Portland in the first round but the rotation of Facu Campazzo, Austin Rivers and Monte Morris has been overmatched against the Suns. Those three came up big in the six games against the Trail Blazers but have been neutralized by Phoenix. Jokic has done what he can, including an historic performance after receiving his award. His 32 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists put him in lofty company, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to have at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in an NBA playoff game.

• The Suns have held everyone around Jokic in check. Aaron Gordon struggled Friday night with just four points on 2-of-10 shooting and Michael Porter Jr. has averaged just 13.7 points in the series. Phoenix is not satisfied despite the 3-0 lead and a six-game playoff winning streak.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Phoenix Suns
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