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The Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets clash on Friday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. This is almost a must-win game for the Suns after dropping the first two of this 2023 NBA playoff series. The Nuggets are 8-1 against the spread in their last nine Friday games, while, the Over is 6-1-1 in the Suns' last eight games following a straight-up loss. Chris Paul is out for Phoenix due to a groin injury.

Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Caesars Sportsbook lists Phoenix as the 4.5-point favorite in the latest Nuggets vs. Suns odds, while the over/under is 225. Before making any Suns vs. Nuggets picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer simulation 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 conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Nuggets vs. Suns 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 betting lines and trends for Suns vs. Nuggets:

  • Nuggets vs. Suns: Phoenix -4.5
  • Nuggets vs. Suns over/under: 225 points  
  • Nuggets vs. Suns money line: Phoenix -190, Denver +158
  • PHX: Over is 4-0-1 in Suns last five home games 
  • DEN: Nuggets are 8-1 ATS in their last nine Friday games 
  • Nuggets vs. Suns picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Nuggets can cover

Forward Aaron Gordon is an athletic, high-flyer who constantly cuts to the rim and finishes through contact with ease. The Arizona product also has a smooth perimeter jumper, and Gordon is third on the team in scoring (15.1) with six rebounds per game in the postseason. In Game 1, he totaled 23 points, six boards, and went 3-of-4 from downtown.

Forward Michael Porter Jr. provides this unit with a reliable three-level scorer. Porter Jr. can score from anywhere on the floor and has a knack for pulling down boards. The Missouri product averages 14 points, 6.9 rebounds, and is making 39% of his 3-pointers in the playoffs. On April 23 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, he had 15 points and five boards. See which team to pick here.

Why the Suns can cover

Forward Kevin Durant is an exceptional shot-creator and bucket-getter. Durant can get a score from any spot on the floor and does a great job piling up rebounds. The 13-time All-Star is also an active defender with a great wingspan. Durant is averaging 27.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and five assists per game during the postseason. In Game 1, he racked up 29 points and 14 boards.

Forward Torrey Craig is a sound defender who uses his instincts and awareness to create havoc. The SC Upstate product is a solid catch-and-shoot option and thrives in transition. Craig averages 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and is shooting 50% from downtown in the playoffs. On April 20 against the Clippers, he finished 15 points and knocked down three 3-pointers. See which team to pick here.

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 has all of the value. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine. 

So who Nuggets vs. Suns? And which side has all of the value? 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 this season, and find out.