The Phoenix Suns host their Western Conference rivals, the Denver Nuggets, on Friday, December 1, at the Footprint Center with tip-off at 10:00 P.M. E.T.
The Nuggets vs. Suns encounter will be the first time the two Western Conference heavyweights will face off, with both teams hoping to keep their respective streaks going.
The Suns will try to extend their home streak, while the Nuggets hope to stretch their win to four games. They defeated the Houston Rockets in their last assignment, 134-124, on November 29. Before that, the reigning NBA champions also won over the Los Angeles Clippers (113-104) and the San Antonio Spurs (132-120).
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As for Phoenix, the Suns lost to the Toronto Raptors last time out, 112-105, and will try to get back on the winning track.
Nuggets vs. Suns Odds
Despite being the visiting team, the Nuggets are 1.5-point spread favorites to prevail over the Suns, per the Action Network. The Moneyline for this game is -118 for Denver and +100 for Phoenix.
The Suns, one of the favorites this season, has yet to fully enjoy having the big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal playing simultaneously. Beal remains out with a back issue, per ESPN.
Nikola Jokic continues to carry the Nuggets on his shoulders. Jamal Murray is also back in action, returning against the Rockets via NBA.com. Hence, the Suns may have their work cut out for them on Friday.
Nuggets vs. Suns Preview
The Nuggets appear primed to get their 14th win of the season, with the Suns dealing with the injury bug. Aside from Beal being out, Booker is also questionable for the game.
The three-time All-Star sprained his ankle in their loss to the Raptors in the third quarter. Although he managed to return, Booker was visibly bothered and finished with only 8 points on 2-of-12 shooting, CBS Sports reported.
"We probably would've told him to sit down and get his ankle right, but he just loves the team so much, he loves helping us win," Durant said about Booker. "Hopefully, the next couple of days, get some treatment and his ankle gets better."
Booker and Beal's absence will be a massive blow to the offensive of the Suns. They are currently at the 7th spot in offensive ratings with a 117.5. The Nuggets trail at the 8th spot, with a 117.1 per NBA.com.
While Durant will likely try to lead the team, he may have problems against the Nuggets defense. Denver owns a defensive rating of 112.2, good for 13th place among other teams. The Suns are in the 18th spot with a 113.9, meaning head coach Frank Vogel needs to find a way to improve that against a team that boasts of Jokic and Murray among others.
Nuggets vs Suns Pick
With Booker possibly out and leaving Durant all by his lonesome, the Nuggets should pick up the win.
However, the Suns are not expected to hand it on a silver platter. They have a homecourt advantage, but it will take more than that to foil the defending NBA champions.
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