Phoenix Suns vs
Denver NuggetsPredictions & Preview

Denver Nuggets Favored to Win Against Phoenix Suns in First Matchup of the Season

The Phoenix Suns (14-13; 9-18-0 ATS) and Denver Nuggets (14-11; 10-14-1 ATS) are scheduled to face off for the first time this season at Ball Arena on Monday at 10:00 p.m. EST. This matchup will be followed by another game on Christmas. The Suns emerged victorious in both meetings at Ball Arena last season. Denver is currently favored to win with an opening line of -5.5, which has since shifted to Denver -4.5. It remains to be seen if the Suns can repeat their success from last year.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Suns +165 | Nuggets -190
• Spread: Suns +4.5 (-110) | Nuggets -4.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 231 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Denver will win straight-up is 66%.

Phoenix vs Denver Stats

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns suffered an eight-point defeat to Detroit despite Kevin Durant's 43 points on Saturday night. The team will look to rebound on Monday, relying on Durant and their strong offensive rating. The Suns excel in scoring efficiency and free throw shooting, but struggle with offensive rebounding and three-point defense. They have a high defensive rating and struggle to limit opponents' scoring. Phoenix is ranked 15th in power rankings, with strengths in offense but weaknesses in defense. Key injuries include Booker and Gillespie. The Suns have a record of 14-13 and are 9-18 ATS this season. They have solid shooting percentages and rebounding numbers, but need to improve on defense and limiting turnovers. Ahead of their trip to Denver, the Suns will need to address their defensive weaknesses to be successful.

Denver Nuggets Analysis

The Denver Nuggets recently suffered a close two-point loss to Portland, putting an end to their three-game winning streak. Despite this setback, the team remains focused on regaining momentum and competing in the Western Conference. Led by Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have a strong offensive game, ranking fourth in points per game and excelling in free throw attempts, shots at the rim, and three-point percentage. However, their defense is a weak point, particularly inside the paint and on the defensive boards. Facing the Phoenix Suns, who have a recent history of high-scoring games against Denver, the Nuggets will need to improve their defensive efforts. Injuries to key players such as Vlatko Cancar and Dario Saric may also impact the team's performance. While the Nuggets have a power ranking of 16, their offensive statistics are impressive, but their defensive numbers leave room for improvement. Overall, the Nuggets are focused on bouncing back from their recent loss and continuing to compete at a high level in the Western Conference.

Fatigued Denver Nuggets at Risk Against Phoenix Suns: Defensive Rebounding and Three-Point Struggles Could Spell Trouble

The fatigue experienced by the Denver Nuggets on Monday will likely hinder their performance, particularly in relation to defensive rebounding. Given their ongoing struggles in this area, fatigue will only exacerbate the issue. Facing off against the efficient and turnover-minimizing offense of the Phoenix Suns, the Nuggets cannot afford to provide second-chance opportunities as frequently as they have been. Additionally, it is worth noting that Denver has the lowest average of three-point attempts in the NBA, a factor that could work to the advantage of the Suns, given their vulnerability in three-point defense. While Phoenix's overall defense is strong, the Nuggets may find themselves outmatched on Monday, with the Suns potentially emerging victorious.

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