Might 1, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic (15) calls in a play within the fourth quarter throughout recreation two in opposition to the Phoenix Suns of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Area. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports activities
- The Phoenix Suns are 4-point favourites in Recreation 3 of their Spherical 2 sequence with the Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokic went for 39 factors, 16 rebounds and 5 assists in Recreation 2, to raise Denver to a 2-0 sequence lead
- Don’t miss the most recent Nuggets vs Suns Recreation 3 odds right here, plus betting splits and Similar-Recreation Parlay picks
It’s mainly the final stand for the Phoenix Suns within the West’s NBA Playoff Bracket in opposition to the Nuggets.
After failing to get a win within the first two video games at Denver, Phoenix returns house searching for their first win of the sequence.
A win, and now we have a sequence. Lose, and the Suns will face a 3-0 gap — a deficit no workforce within the NBA Playoff historical past has ever been capable of come again from.
Recreation 3 goes Friday (Might 5) at 10pm ET from the Footprint Centre in Phoenix, AZ. You may watch the sport stay on ESPN.
Nuggets vs Suns Recreation 3 Odds
| Crew | Unfold | Moneyline | Whole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | +4.0 (-110) | +155 | O 224.5 (-110) |
| Phoenix Suns | -4.0 (-110) | -180 | U 224.5 (-110) |
Regardless of shedding by a median of 14 factors per recreation in Denver, the NBA odds have the Suns as 4-point favourites and -180 on the moneyline, an implied win chance of 64.29%.
Phoenix was stable at house this season, going 28-13 within the common season, whereas profitable each house dates within the postseason.
The Nuggets have been simply 19-22 on the highway within the common season, and are 1-1 within the playoffs.
Odds as of Might 4 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Chris Paul Out as Suns Want a Win
The Suns already had a fairly skinny rotation after their core-four, they usually’ll be lacking a type of guys Friday.
Level guard Chris Paul injured his groin within the second quarter of their 97-87 Recreation 2 loss and didn’t return. He’s already been dominated out, and its probably he’ll be sidelined in Recreation 4 as effectively.
I requested Devin Booker what the Suns’ confidence stage is heading again house down 0-2. After a pause, he mentioned: “I like it. I simply love playoff basketball. That’s the very first thing I mentioned once I received within the locker room: You simply have to like this shit. Embrace it.” pic.twitter.com/3aSF277R6c
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) Might 2, 2023
With out him, Phoenix couldn’t shut down the stretch, getting outscored 27-14 within the ultimate body, taking pictures 7-for-25 from the sector, together with an 0-for-9 mark from distance. Subsequent man up is Cam Payne, however he’s struggled on this sequence, taking pictures 1-for-7 for 2 factors in 17 minutes in Recreation 2.
After all, a lot of the heavy lifting will come from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. KD is placing up 26.5 factors and 11 rebounds via two video games, whereas D-Ebook is averaging 31 factors and 7 assists. Maybe Monty Williams ventures down his bench, dusting off offensive choices like Terrence Ross and TJ Warren.
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets take a 2-0 lead 👀
🃏 39 factors
🃏 16 rebounds
🃏 5 assists#NBAPlayoffs introduced by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/PL2P97Avth— NBA (@NBA) Might 2, 2023
For the Nuggets, it was all about Nikola Jokic. With nearly each different teammate struggling, Jokic was unstoppable, going for 39 factors, 16 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon was the following highest scorer with 16 factors.
It was a forgettable evening for Jamal Murray, who posted simply 10 factors on 3-for-15 taking pictures, whereas Michael Porter Jr had 5 factors taking pictures 2-for-7. Denver shot solely 7-for-27 from past the arc (25.9%). Luckily, the Suns have been worse, hitting simply six of 31, a paltry 19.4% clip.
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Denver vs Phoenix Similar-Recreation Parlay
On high of the excessive stakes within the recreation end result, don’t be shy to tack on a Similar-Recreation parlay to your betting card. We’ve crafted this 4-leg SGP that pays out at a cool +1200.
We’ll begin with the Suns’ dynamic scoring duo. Devin Booker ought to do a lot of the heavy lifting, and he’s coming off a 35-point effort in Recreation 2.
As for Kevin Durant, he missed a second straight double-double on this sequence by a few rebounds. He’s the one different large beside Ayton, so he ought to have loads of board work once more.
Nuggets vs Suns Recreation 3 Similar-Recreation Parlay
| Decide | Odds |
|---|---|
| Devin Booker OVER 31.5 factors | +105 |
| Kevin Durant Double-Double YES | +115 |
| Deandre Ayton UNDER 8.5 rebounds | +150 |
| Jamal Murray OVER 23.5 factors | +115 |
| Similar-Recreation Parlay Odds | +1200 |
Talking of rebounds, Ayton has been totally crushed up by Jokic. No disgrace in that, however he’s a 7-footer wanting small on the market, but to seize 9 boards in a recreation this sequence. I’ll take the plus odds that occurs a 3rd time.
Lastly, Jamal Murray entered Recreation 2 having cracked 24 factors in 4 of six video games on this playoffs. Whereas he registered a dud, the bounce again has some good juice.
Nuggets vs Suns Prediction
A rested Nuggets facet has been a stellar wager of late. With three days of relaxation, Denver is 5-0 in opposition to the unfold of their final 5 outings. They’re additionally 5-0 ATS of their final 5 head-to-head matchups with Phoenix.
The Suns have additionally didn’t cowl in 4 straight convention semifinal video games, they usually’re 0-4 ATS in opposition to groups with a profitable share of .600 or higher.
Even with stellar outings from each KD and Ebook, this Denver squad can keep aggressive with Jokic operating the offense. The Nuggets have misplaced simply as soon as this postseason, shedding by six factors in extra time.
Phoenix ought to survive, however not with out sweating out a detailed one.
Decide:
- Nuggets +4.0 (-110); 1.5 items to win 1.36 items
Eric Rosales
Having labored in and round sports activities since 1997, Eric is actually a educated skilled. The 2-time journalism grad makes a speciality of all issues NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV’s Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric’s work has appeared in native and nationwide publications alike.
