NBA Playoffs picks, odds for Nuggets-Suns Game 1
The second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs has the potential for a handful of classics. Out East, two years-long rivalries rekindled between the Knicks and Heat and 76ers and Celtics. And, in the West semifinals series that tips off Saturday, the odds on favorites to win the conference (Phoenix Suns, +150) and No. 1 seed (Denver Nuggets) square off.
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We’re still waiting for the final second round series to be set, but the Suns and Nuggets will get us started with Game 1 from Ball Arena.
During the NBA Playoffs, The Athletic’s writers will make their straight-up picks. You’ll find picks, coverage and the latest odds here. Our in-depth NBA coverage is linked below the picks. For live NBA odds from BetMGM, click here.
No. 1 Nuggets vs. No. 4 Suns
8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
What are the odds for the Nuggets vs. Suns?
Series odds: Suns -135, Nuggets +115
Both of these teams dispatched lower-seeded competition in five games in the first round. And although the Suns are favored to win the series (-135), the Nuggets are slight favorites for Game 1 in Denver.
The altitude advantage of playing in the Mile High City is well-known, and the Nuggets took advantage during the regular season to the tune of a 34-7 home record that trailed only Memphis (35-6) for best in the association. They also won all three of their home games against Minnesota in Round 1 by an average margin of 13.7 points.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much to glean from these teams’ regular season series, which they split 2-2. The first two — both Denver wins — came before Phoenix’s midseason trade for Kevin Durant, which reshaped their roster and the Western Conference playoff picture. The second two — which the Suns swept — both came in a seven-day span between late March and early April for which Nikola Jokić was sidelined.
But in a way, that makes this star-studded matchup between two of the league’s high-powered offenses all the more exciting. Jokić was in MVP form in the first round, averaging a typically efficient 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray submitted signature performances in Games 2 and 5. On the Suns’ side, Devin Booker has been the best player in the playoffs not named Jimmy Butler, while Kevin Durant’s comfort grows by the day.
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So strap in. This one has exhilarating, seven-game potential.
Expert picks for Nuggets vs. Suns
More from the NBA Playoffs
NBA playoffs 2023 predictions: Anonymous scout, coach, exec pick Nuggets-Suns, Knicks-Heat winners
Nikola Jokić’s passing and the warning given to all new Nuggets players: Keep your hands up
‘Indescribable’ Suns guard Devin Booker has been the best player in these playoffs
(Photo of Nikola Jokić: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
