DraftKings Network - Everything you need to know for Nuggets vs. Suns in the second round of 2023 NBA playoffsAnother great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2023-04-26T14:43:56-07:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/234627002023-04-26T14:43:56-07:002023-04-26T14:43:56-07:00Best series props for Nuggets vs. Suns in second round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<figcaption>PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three-point shot over Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets during the game at Footprint Center on April 06, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Nuggets 119-115. | Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here are some series props to consider for Nuggets-Suns in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.</p> <p id="ykNPin">In the second round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a>, the No. 4 <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> will take on the top-seeded Denver Nuggets. With the action starting at Ball Arena on Saturday, the Nuggets come in slightly favored at <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> to win Game 1 at -140. The Suns are -140 favorites to win the overall series.</p>
<h2 id="pF0TD8">Suns vs. Nuggets series props</h2>
<h3 id="40mAfT">Series Winner: Nuggets (+120)</h3>
<p id="sZHZxF">I think there is great value on playing Denver to win this series at plus money. At the moment, the Nuggets are as healthy as they have been the past three years, and did well to secure the Western Conference’s top seed. The fact that Denver has earned and currently holds one of the fiercest homcourt advantages in any sport is enough for me to play them to win the series at +120. The Nuggets were 34-7 at home over the 2022-23 season. </p>
<h3 id="nxJyxG">Series Length: Over 5.5 Games (-200)</h3>
<p id="oZTUvc">Truthfully there may not be much value in this market but if you feel confident about both the Nuggets and Suns being able to win more a single game in this series, then this play may be as close to a lock as you can find. -200 is considerable juice to pay, but Nuggets-Suns going at least six games seems like a winner.</p>
<h3 id="yYRiES">Series Correct Score: Nuggets 4-3 (+380)</h3>
<p id="iQXpPs">In attempt to thread the needle, I think this series is built to go the distance. Since a potential Game 7 would be in the “Mile High,” I am strongly leaning toward the Nuggets — who finally seem healthy in the postseason — to win this series. Still, the Suns have more than enough firepower to push Denver to the brink. Simply put, I think the talent on both sides will warrant all seven games be played, and I think the Nuggets are just too well-conditioned at home to falter. If that ends up being the case, this play can bring you back significant winnings.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/26/23693689/nuggets-vs-suns-series-props-parlays-bets-odds-second-round-nba-playoffs-2023-games-spread-totalGabriel Santiago2023-04-26T14:11:12-07:002023-04-26T14:11:12-07:00Nuggets vs. Suns series predictions in second round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gtjP-lnUT0cmU9Zjnb-yKcSacMI=/0x0:4861x3241/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72220716/1480657572.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets attempts a dunk over Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center on April 06, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Nuggets 119-115. | Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s an in-depth look at the matchup between Nuggets and Suns in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.</p> <p id="ykNPin">The No. 4 <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> will travel for Game 1 against the No. 1 Denver Nuggets to start their Western Conference semifinal playoff series at Ball Arena on Saturday. Despite the fact the the Nuggets were the Western Conference’s top seed for much of the 2022-23 season, Phoenix enters as favorite to win the overall series at <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<h2 id="pF0TD8">Suns vs. Nuggets predictions</h2>
<p id="40mAfT">Odds to win series: Suns -140, Nuggets +120<br>Regular season record: Nuggets 53-29, Suns 45-37<br>Head-to-head record: Tied 2-2</p>
<p id="7uy5c6">These teams split four meetings during the regular season. Denver won the first two games, while Phoenix took the back two. Despite four games against each other, we have yet to see what the matchup looks like with both sides at full strength. Kevin Durant was still a member of the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a> when the Nuggets and Suns first met in 2022-23, and reigning two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic missed the last two meetings. Admittedly, this series is tough to get a true feel for.</p>
<h2 id="CCpum0">Pick: Nuggets in 7 games</h2>
<p id="3iEkdd">I believe this series has the potential to be the most entertaining of the postseason, and when you consider the already turbulent first round, that is truly saying something. Both Denver and Phoenix had expeditious opening playoff series this year, eliminating their respective opponents in five games. With that said, both sides will need to be ready for a much more formidable foe in the conference semis.</p>
<p id="j02wrv">It will be interesting to see how Durant and fellow seven-footer Deandre Ayton protect the paint against Jokic, who seemingly has a bottomless offensive bag. On the perimeter, we know Chris Paul and Devin Booker will look to push the pace, but with Denver now at full strength, who will hold the edge? For me, I lean toward the homecourt advantage in the Mile High. Naturally, it can be tough for opposing teams to adjust to the altitude of 5,280 feet. Over the 2022-23 season, the Nuggets were 34-7 in their own building. Because of that, along with more familiarity throughout their roster, I am going with Denver to win this series in seven games. </p>
<p id="hwi4I2">At <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, the Nuggets are early 2.5-point favorites at home against the Suns in Game 1, with the point total currently set at 225.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/26/23693688/nuggets-vs-suns-odds-picks-predictions-second-round-nba-playoffs-2023-jokic-durant-booker-murray-mpjGabriel Santiago2023-04-26T14:01:07-07:002023-04-26T14:01:07-07:00Phoenix Suns injury report for second round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<img alt="2023 NBA Playoffs - Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BWOJ2RQJH6p4d_UUHC4isSQfNuI=/0x0:7834x5223/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72220682/1252185213.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns after the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. | Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s a look at which players are dealing with issues for the Suns in the second round.</p> <p id="TjQLy3">The No. 4 <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> have officially eliminated the No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers via the gentlemen’s sweep. Hoping to eventually obtain their first Larry O’Brien Trophy ever, the Suns will now prepare for a Western Conference semifinal clash against the top-seeded Denver Nuggets. With Game 1 scheduled for Saturday, April 29 at Denver’s Ball Arena (airing nationally on TNT), how will these two sides match up?</p>
<p id="gf2moS">Let’s take a look at the Suns injury report and how it may impact the series.</p>
<h2 id="A49YH1">Suns injury report</h2>
<p id="OdsJ7o">Fortunately for the “the Valley,” the Suns currently have no injuries to report after their short first-round series with the Clippers. They appear to be at full strength ahead of their matchup with Denver. Still, several of the Suns’ star players have dealt with injuries throughout the year, including Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant. In the first-round of the playoffs, all aforementioned men seemed physically unhampered.</p>
<p id="xVEgO9">At <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, the Nuggets are early 2.5-point favorites at home against the Suns in Game 1 with the point total currently set at 225. For the series prices, Phoenix shows as a -140 favorite despite holding the lower seed, while Denver is +120 to advance to the Western Conference Finals.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/26/23693685/suns-injury-report-2023-nba-playoffs-second-round-vs-nuggetsGabriel Santiago2023-04-26T13:58:58-07:002023-04-26T13:58:58-07:00Denver Nuggets injury report for second round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<img alt="2023 NBA Playoffs - Minnesota Timberwolves v Denver Nuggets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pC9z_EGFRMjsK51QBO6-Sw3dV5E=/0x0:4902x3268/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72220653/1252184897.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>DENVER, CO - APRIL 25: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 after Round One Game Five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 25, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. | Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s a look at which players are dealing with issues for the Nuggets in the second round.</p> <p id="TjQLy3">The top-seeded Denver Nuggets have officially eliminated the No. 8 <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> via the gentlemen’s sweep. Hoping to eventually obtain their first Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Nuggets will now prepare for a Western Conference Semifinal clash against the No. 4 <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a>. With Game 1 scheduled for Saturday, April 29 at Ball Arena, how will these respective sides match up?</p>
<p id="gf2moS">Let’s take a look at the Nuggets injury report and how it may impact the series.</p>
<h2 id="A49YH1">Nuggets injury report</h2>
<p id="DiPS4d">Fortunately for the “Mile High,” the Nuggets currently have no injuries to report after their short first-round series with Minnesota. They appear to be at full strength ahead of the matchup with Phoenix. Still, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray have all dealt with issues at some point this season. Are they finally healthy at the right time?</p>
<p id="MZbJrD">At <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, the Nuggets are early 2.5-point favorites at home against the Suns in Game 1 with the point total currently set at 225. For the series prices, Phoenix shows as a -140 favorite despite holding the lower seed, while Denver is +120 to advance to the Western Conference finals.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/26/23693684/nuggets-injury-report-2023-nba-playoffs-second-round-vs-sunsGabriel Santiago2023-04-25T21:42:06-07:002023-04-25T21:42:06-07:002023 NBA playoffs second round: No. 1 Nuggets vs. No. 4 Suns schedule
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<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hEmJEHJkRsHmcdFWWfaHP5z6E6Y=/0x0:5036x3357/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72217655/1480656046.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Green of the Denver Nuggets guards Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns during the game at Footprint Center on April 06, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Nuggets 119-115. | Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s the schedule for the Nuggets taking on the Suns in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.</p> <p id="SK2Bx6">The Denver Nuggets and <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> will meet in the second round of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a> with both teams having championship aspirations. The Nuggets took down the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> 4-1 while the Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 4-1 in the first round. The Nuggets and Suns met four times during the regular season, splitting the season series 2-2.</p>
<p id="ZjZovy">Here’s the full schedule for this second round series in the Western Conference.</p>
<h2 id="ffWL2P">No. 1 Nuggets vs. No. 4 Suns schedule</h2>
<p id="4ykxpd">Game 1: Suns @ Nuggets, Saturday, April 29, 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT<br>Game 2: Suns @ Nuggets, Monday, May 1, 10 p.m. ET, TNT<br>Game 3: Nuggets @ Suns, Friday, May 5, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+<br>Game 4: Nuggets @ Suns, Sunday, May 7, 8 p.m. ET, TNT<br>*Game 5: Suns @ Nuggets, Tuesday, May 9, 10 p.m. ET, TNT<br>*Game 6: Nuggets @ Suns, Thursday, May 11, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN<br>*Game 7: Suns @ Nuggets, Sunday, May 14, Time TBD, TV Channel TBD</p>
<p id="0hb483"><em>*Games 5-7 if necessary</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/25/23693683/nuggets-vs-suns-nba-playoffs-2023-second-round-schedule-date-tv-channel-start-timeBrittany Jarret2023-04-25T21:41:45-07:002023-04-25T21:41:45-07:002023 NBA playoffs second round: No. 1 Nuggets vs. No. 4 Suns preview
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<img alt="Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iNcKLPWHvsmJeKQ8Yo4pwmBEjt4=/0x294:3233x2449/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72217653/1246170529.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 11, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. | Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s everything you need to know about the Nuggets taking on the Suns in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.</p> <p id="MbWTo1">The Denver Nuggets and <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> will meet in the second round of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a> with both teams thinking about a championship. The Nuggets are the top seed in the West behind MVP contender Nikola Jokic, while the Suns made the big trade for Kevin Durant at the deadline to prove they are serious about winning a title. Here’s a look at how the teams match up ahead of the series.</p>
<h2 id="7YOELZ">No. 1 Nuggets vs. No. 4 Suns</h2>
<p id="a4ZLdT">Head-to-head record: Tied 2-2<br>Overall record: Nuggets 53-29, Suns 45-37<br>Leading scorer on Nuggets: Nikola Jokic<br>Leading scorer on Suns: Devin Booker</p>
<p id="QtuAwB">Odds to win series: Nuggets +110, Suns -130</p>
<p id="HVzEf8">After struggling to battle through injuries and inconsistent play in past seasons, the Nuggets put it all together this year. Jokic, along with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., led one of the best offenses in the league to lock up homecourt advantage in the West. The Nuggets also have plenty of depth, something which could be a big factor in this series.</p>
<p id="kzLEGX">The Suns did beat the Nuggets twice since acquiring Durant, but Denver didn’t play any of its key guys in those games. Similarly, the Nuggets beat the Suns twice when Phoenix didn’t have Durant. These are two top contenders to win the West according to <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, and it’s a bit of a shame they’ll be matching up in the conference semifinals instead of the conference finals. The biggest factor in the outcome of this series could be Denver’s depth. If the Suns stars don’t click or get in foul trouble, Phoenix might not be able to contend with Denver’s rotation. If Durant gets hot, the Nuggets don’t have an answer for him defensively.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/25/23693682/nuggets-vs-suns-nba-playoffs-2023-second-round-picks-predictions-odds-preview-history-matchupDKNetworkStaff