Handicapper Chic
The Denver Nuggets will be facing off against the Phoenix Suns in what feels like it could be the real Western Conference Finals.
When that happens, reigning two-time MVP Nikola Jokic will lead the Denver Nuggets against a star-studded Phoenix squad headlined by 2014 MVP Kevin Durant and All-Star guard Devin Booker, as well as future Hall of Famer Chris Paul.
Both teams handled their business quickly in eliminating their first-round opponents in five games. The Clippers were injured for their series against the Suns, and the Timberwolves just didn’t have enough despite a great series from future Super Star Anthony Edwards.
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Denver punched its ticket to the next round first on Tuesday, outlasting the Minnesota Timberwolves in game 5 behind a 28-point triple-double from Jokic and a 35 points from the resurgent Jamal Murray.
Phoenix ousted the shorthanded LA Clippers, who didn’t have Paul George the entire series and Kawhi Leonard tore his meniscus in game, just hours later in that series’ Game 5 as Devin Booker scored 25 points in, the third quarter (and finished with a postseason career-high-tying 47 points) in game 5.
Suns vs. Nuggets schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 29 | Game 1 | 8:30 p.m. at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 1 | Game 2 | 10:00 p.m. at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 5 | Game 3 | 10:00 p.m. at Suns | ESPN |
| May 7 | Game 4 | 8:00 p.m. at Suns | TNT |
| May 9 | Game 5* | TBD at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 11 | Game 6* | TBD at Suns | ESPN |
| May 14 | Game 7* | TBD at Nuggets | TBD |
Although the teams faced off four times in the regular season — each team won twice — Durant wasn’t yet a member of the Suns when Denver defeated them by a combined 32 points in the first two meetings prior to the All-Star break.
When the clubs clashed again for the last two matchups of the regular season over a span of seven days (March 31 to April 6), Jokic was out of the lineup due to a calf injury.
With Kevin Durant in the lineup for the Suns, they are a resounding 12-1. Their offense has been as advertised. They can score at all 3 levels with the best of them. They attack the mid-range better than any team in the NBA.
Betting Consensus |
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Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns total o226 -110 being hammered by 92.3% of the betting public |  |
Both players serve as catalysts for two of the three highest-rated offenses left in the playoffs. So, expect copious buckets from a couple of teams that enter the second round relatively healthy.
The Suns are the favorite to win the West right now, but Denver is favored in game 1. Do with that what you may…
ROUND 2: SUNS VS NUGGETS#RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/PDbsUHF8bq
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 26, 2023
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| Title: Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Playoffs Betting Preview
| Author: Matt Catton
| Date: April 27, 2023
