Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets Game 4 Betting Preview
This might be it, folks. Nikola Jokic did, in fact, win the MVP. Denver survived a Portland onslaught to win in six games to get to round two. But the Phoenix Suns are on fire and have now won five ballgames in a row. Nobody is capable of beating them right now, and it is painfully obvious that the Nuggets are outmatched.
Phoenix went down 2-1 to the Lakers, but everything has since turned around for them. They took three in a row from them, making sure LeBron Jams and co. would not be able to repeat as champs. Chris Paul has overcome a shoulder injury and is now looking as spry as ever. The team is deep, and the four bench guys that have been playing have all been making good things happen.
Jokic had a 30-20-10 triple-double in game 3, a rare feat for any player to have at any point. But, he did not get much help from the other guys. The Nuggets trailed for much of the game and never really found their footing. As soon as they struggled in the third quarter, it was clear that a comeback was not going to happen.
If they do go down, they can be proud of their year and effort without Jamal Murray. But, still, they did not expect to lose so early.
ODDS: The game four spread is set at PHX -3. The over/under is 221.5 points.
Suns Aiming for Sweep
The #2 seeded Phoenix Suns are a very dangerous squad. Led by Devin Booker and CP3, they have quite the 1-2 punch. DeAndre Ayton has been a very effective two-way player. Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder have played magnificent minutes. And then, Cam Johnson and Torrey Craig have provided strong stints in relief of them.
There is no weak link in the lineup, which few other teams can attest to. The worst rotational guys on the Suns are better than the worst on Utah. Georges Niang would probably not get any burn on this club. And that will matter, should the teams match up next round.
They can win this one and end things by riding Devin Booker, continuing to let Jokic cook, and not doubling, plus making the other guys beat them.
All Over for Denver?
If the Nuggets can’t get the victory, that is it for their year. They traded for Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee. They lost Will Barton and PJ Dozier for a long stretch, with PJ not even back yet. And, of course, there was the ACL injury suffered by Jamal Murray.
As soon as Murray went down, the team just had to be hopeful in the playoff race. The home-court advantage was the goal, and they held on to it. But now, they are on the brink of elimination, as the lack of health has played a large part in their quick demise.
Phoenix hadn’t played in the postseason since 2010. So, they did not want to waste time. If the Nuggets do want to win, though, they have to do a few things. They need to win the three-point battle. MPJ has to score 25+. And they need good production from Facundo Campazzo and Austin Rivers.
It’s Over, Ladies and Gentleman
The Nuggets will see their season end in this one. Congrats to Jokic for being MVP and to the short-handed team on making round two. On to the conference finals for the Suns!
FREE PLAY: PHX -3
OVER/UNDER: UNDER 221.5
