Writing the game 4 preview, it still felt like the Nuggets were in control of the series. They held Phoenix in check enough in games played at Ball Arena that they could take care of business on the road. But, the Footprint Center was rocking and the Suns did what they needed to. It is pretty clear that Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are an unstoppable duo, and Monty Williams has done some of his best coaching over these contests.
As for Denver themselves, coming back home could help them to figure out their game again. They do have some work to do, some things to be improved. Nikola Jokic cannot score 50+ points with 10+ assists and the team falls short. Others have to step up, and it is Mike Malone’s turn to dig into his bench. They have so many veterans on the bench who can come in and make an impact. Let’s see who gets the chance.
ODDS:
SPREAD: Nuggets -5
MONEYLINE: Suns +165, Nuggets -202
OVER/UNDER: 228
Suns Seeking 3-2 Series Lead
Phoenix played in a second-round series against a European superstar-led team and lost in seven games. Luka Doncic and the Mavs went 3-0 on their home floor. Phoenix had won games 1, 2, and 5. With the seventh game being in Phoenix, it would have seemed that the Suns would come away with a victory. Nope. They got absolutely blown out, and that’s how their season came to its abrupt end.
This time, it seems they are locked into a similar situation. They lost twice on the road, before winning two at home. They are better equipped this time around with two superstars instead of one. The offense, even without Chris Paul, looks fluid. The bench is coming to play and it appears that when struggles happen, they can plug others into the lineup. They have to continue to make the non-Jokic guys beat them.
Denver Aims to Recapture Series Edge
The Nuggets saw Jokic put up one of the best playoff efforts of all-time in game 4. And yet, it was not enough. They had hoped to come back home with a chance to end the series, but after failing to get anything done in the valley, they now need this to maintain home-court advantage. Denver is a great home team, more often than not taking care of business here. The odds are in their favor of having it happen again.
Other than their 2X MVP, other players have to be better. Aaron Gordon didn’t contribute much to their offense. Michael Porter Jr. went invisible in the game’s biggest moments. Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope don’t seem to have the confidence to take or make the big shots. Jamal Murray can do his thing. But who else? Perhaps they turn to Reggie Jackson, a guy who had an incredible postseason showing for the Clippers in 2021? Decisions, decisions.
Home Team Tackles Opponent
The Nuggets will take care of business at home. The series is far from clinched, but they will prevail in front of the Denver faithful.
PICK: DEN -202
