Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets prediction for Thursday’s NBA playoff clash at Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix. The Suns leading the series 1-0 host for the second game the Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals. Follow along for our free prediction and betting tips.
Phoenix Suns off to a great start
Freshly victorious against reigning champions the Lakers, the Phoenix Suns took their high morale and confidence to game one of their series against the Nuggets and dominated the game especially in the second half as they opened a 17 point gap.
Coach Monty Williams’ team had a great all-around performance as all five starters scored in double digits and four of them 20 points or more. they had a perfect offensive game shooting 54.1% from the field and their 30 assists in the game show how they rotate the ball to find the better-positioned player in a scoring position.
More aggressiveness is needed from the Nuggets players
Coach Michael Malone wants to see his team have a more aggressive approach in game two as he claims the Nuggets were too soft in their defense against the Suns in game one. Denver couldn’t hold to a ten-point lead in the third quarter as their defense didn’t have the answers for a late Suns surge.
Nikola Jokic had a quiet game with 22 points and 9 rebounds. He led his team in scoring with no other Denver player scoring 20 or more points. In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets didn’t have any free throws which show the Suns great defense and Denver’s players’ lack of hustle under the paint with the Suns players to get some shots in.
Key Points
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
We had predicted a Suns win in game one and we were correct. They are better offensively and have many options as they proved in this game when Devin Booker scored just 21 points, his teammates stepped up and helped their team offensively.
Denver relies too much on Nikola Jokic. Coach Michael Malone said his team was too soft in game one and that was the main reason for their loss. Defensively we think the Nuggets will play better in game two but offensively coach Malone expects more contribution from his players.
Before this game, Denver had won twice in Phoenix in the regular season both in overtime. We think the Nuggets will have a better game and we will see a close match.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Betting Tips
Under 222.5 points 1.94 at Vbet
Over 55 1st quarter points 1.64 at Vbet