Game 4 Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Betting Odds, Lines Picks & Predictions
The Nuggets will try to avoid the sweep when they host the Suns in Game 4 on Sunday night. So far, they had no answer for Phoenix, losing all games with a double-digit margin. Denver will now face the task of coming back from 0-3 which no team has ever done. The Nuggets lost three straight games only the second time this season. Their overall SU record is 51-30 while they’re 38-43 ATS. After protecting their home court in the first two games, the Suns took a decisive 3-0 lead, beating Denver on Friday 116-102. They’re now in the middle of a 6-game postseason winning streak. Over the season, they’re 58-23 SU and 49-30-2 ATS. Tonight’s game will be the 7th matchup between two teams this season. Denver has won only twice, both times in overtime.
Line Movement
Unlike Game 3, the Suns are now road favorites. The line opened at -2 but with most of the early action backing Phoenix, it has moved to -3. The total also moved by a point, going from 221 to 222.
Notes on Phoenix Suns
Judging by their postseason performances so far, the Suns may easily be the most serious contender for the championship. They got where they are by playing tough on defense and smart on offense. With weapons all over the court, they can beat an opposing team in numerous ways. Their fantastic spacing and shooting allow them to rely on pick-and-roll which generates open looks on almost every possession. They’re lethal in both attacking the basket and shooting from distance. Their leader, Chris Paul, is having a vintage series, reminding everyone that his best days are not yet behind him. He’s now averaging 21.7 points, 11.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in the series. All that while shooting 57.5% from the field, and 75.0% from the deep. He’s been particularly efficient in the 4th quarter. In this series, Paul is shooting 12 of 13 in the final 12 minutes while committing zero turnovers. On Friday, he scored 27 points and added 8 assists and 8 rebounds. The leading scorer for the Suns was Devin Booker with 28 while three other players scored in double-digits.
Abdel Nader continues to be the only player unavailable for Phoenix.
Notes on Denver Nuggets
It’s clear that everything in Denver revolves around Nikola Jokic, but even a historic performance from the MVP on Friday wasn’t enough for the win. Jokic scored 32 points and had 20 rebounds and 10 assists. However, it’s clear that fatigue is catching up with him. Being task to do everything on offense is tasking and it’s clearly taking its toll. Despite scoring 32, Jokic wasn’t his usual efficient self as he shot only 13-29 from the field. Still, if one of his teammates doesn’t step up with a big game, The Nuggets are likely out of the playoffs. Especially since it’s obvious that Denver can’t stop the Suns’ offense. On Friday, the rest of the starting 5 scored only 36 points combined. Barton and Morris provided some spark from the bench, but it clearly wasn’t enough.
Jamal Murray is, of course, unavailable while PJ Dozier is also not ready for tonight.
Betting Pick: Phoenix -3
The Suns have won three previous games by at least 14 points. With that in mind, the -3 line definitely presents value. Phoenix has dominated so far and the Nuggets haven’t shown anything that to prove that they’re capable of beating the Suns. Denver will do their best not to get swept, but it probably won’t be enough.
