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The Phoenix Suns go on the road to match up against the Denver Nuggets in a big-time Game 5 affair on Tuesday evening. This 2023 NBA playoff contest will be filled with high intensity and energy, with the winner securing a 3-2 series edge. These two teams play great defense and finished the regular season ranked in the top eight in points allowed. The Suns were sixth (111.6 points allowed) with the Nuggets in the eighth spot (112.5). Guard Chris Paul (groin) is out for Phoenix.

Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Caesars Sportsbook lists Denver as the 6.5-point favorite in the latest Suns vs. Nuggets odds. The over/under for total points is 227.5. Before making 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 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:

  • Suns vs. Nuggets: Nuggets -6.5
  • Suns vs. Nuggets over/under: 227.5 points
  • Suns vs. Nuggets money line: Nuggets -260, Suns +210
  • PHO: Suns are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 Tuesday games
  • DEN: Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game
  • Suns vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Nuggets can cover

Guard Jamal Murray is an exciting three-level scoring playmaker. Murray can be fearless in attacking the lane and owns a smooth perimeter jumper. The Kentucky product also has solid court vision, and Murray is second on the team in both scoring (26.7) and assists (6.8) this postseason. In Game 4, Murray finished with 28 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

Forward Aaron Gordon brings great energy and athleticism to the frontcourt. Gordon likes to play downhill and will soar above the rim with ease. The Arizona product is constantly cutting to the rack and will space the floor if needed. Gordon logs 14 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs. On Sunday, he tallied 11 points and six boards. See which team to pick here.

Why the Suns can cover

Forward Kevin Durant is one of the most skilled players on the planet. Durant is 6-foot-10 but has the ball handles of a guard to break down defenses. The 13-time All-Star owns a lights-out mid-range jumper and has a knack for drawing contact. Durant averages 30 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the 2023 NBA playoffs. On Sunday, he totaled 36 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

Center Deandre Ayton is an athletic and nimble big who has long arms and does a great job piling up rebounds. The Arizona product also owns a gentle touch in the lane. Ayton is first on the team in rebounds (9.8) with 13.3 points per game in the postseason. In Game 2, he had 14 points, eight boards, and four assists. See which team to pick here.

How to make Nuggets vs. Suns picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 223 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time. You can only get the model's picks at SportsLine.

So who Nuggets vs. Suns? And which side of the spread hits almost 60% 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 this season, and find out.