The Phoenix Suns go on the road to square off against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA playoffs on Saturday. On Tuesday, the Nuggets edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-109 to end that series 4-1. Meanwhile, the Suns beat the Clippers 136-130 on April 25. Phoenix won that series in five games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Caesars Sportsbook lists Denver as the 3.5-point favorite in the latest Suns vs. Nuggets odds. The over/under for total points is set at 228. Before locking in any Nuggets vs. Suns picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model entered the third week of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Suns vs. Nuggets and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Nuggets vs. Suns:
- Suns vs. Nuggets: Denver -3.5
- Suns vs. Nuggets over/under: 228 points
- Suns vs. Nuggets money line: Phoenix +130, Denver -155
- PHO: Suns are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Saturday games
- DEN: Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games
- Suns vs. Nuggets: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Nuggets can cover
Forward Michael Porter Jr. is a smooth three-level scorer. Porter Jr. has the skill set to create his own shot but can excel as a catch-and-shoot option. The Missouri product is third on the team in scoring (16.4) and second in rebounds (8.2) while making 42% of his 3-pointers. He dropped at least 16 points in three of his last five games. On April 21, Porter Jr. logged 25 points, nine boards, and went 4-of-8 from three.
Forward Aaron Gordon is an uber-athletic player for the Nuggets. Gordon does a great job cutting to the rim and finishing through traffic. The Arizona product puts up 13.4 points with seven rebounds per game during the postseason. He has recorded 14 points in three straight outings. See which side to back at SportsLine.
Why the Suns can cover
Forward Kevin Durant is a dynamic scorer. Durant has the ability to knock down shots from all three levels, while handling double teams with ease. The 13-time All-Star is averaging 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. He's also shooting 45% from downtown and 95% from the charity stripe. In his last outing, Durant totaled 31 points, six boards and four assists.
Guard Chris Paul is the true floor general. Paul makes terrific decisions as a playmaker and thrives in the pick-and-roll. Additionally, the 12-time All-Star is a mid-range maestro with a knack for getting into passing lanes. Paul averages 13.6 points and 2.2 steals with a team-high 8.2 assists per contest. On April 22 against the Clippers, he finished with 19 points and nine assists. See which side to back at SportsLine.
How to make Nuggets vs. Suns picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 230 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. See who to back at SportsLine.
So who wins Suns vs. Nuggets? And which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is 71-38 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
