Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Tips / NBA Playoffs Game 1 Denver vs Phoenix

NBA Playoffs Game 1 Denver vs Phoenix: Odds, Tips and predictions 04/29/23

Basketball Betting Tips · 04/29/2023 - 8:30 pm · Ball Arena

Publish Date: 04/29/2023
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Prediction: Bet Nuggets to cover
  • Over/Under: Denver vs Phoenix (226.5)
  • Spread: Denver -2.5
  • Pick: Bet Denver to cover
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Open DraftKings

Game preview Denver vs Phoenix

On Saturday, we begin the journey into the conference semifinals as Game 1 between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns will commence. It promises to be an intense and competitive contest that could set up one of the best series this round.

Nikola Jokic has led the Denver Nuggets to an extraordinary season. Despite questions regarding depth and defense, they still secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The Suns, hampered by injuries throughout their regular season, had an underwhelming regular season by their standards. Their midseason trade for Kevin Durant quickly brought everyone back together; however, not enough court time has passed yet to build relationships among each player on the roster, but the Suns are getting better every game.

The Nuggets are 2.5-point home favorites against the Suns for Game 1; the Suns are favored to win the series.

The Nuggets are on a roll?

The Nuggets have been dominant at home this season. After including playoff results, they boast a 37-7 straight-up mark and 27-16-1 against-the-spread record at home this year, winning both of their home games to split season matchup 2-2 despite three of four contests featuring key players missing from action.

Both teams were healthy enough to compete on Christmas Day, with Denver winning 128-125 in overtime. Jokic shone against Deandre Ayton in that matchup scoring 41 points while also collecting 15 rebounds and dishing 15 assists; Jokic’s presence poses a huge matchup problem for Ayton and the Suns; it will be intriguing to watch how this matchup plays out as I expect Jokic may exploit this matchup and force double teams from them.

The Nuggets defense remains uncertain. Booker and Durant should prove difficult to contain for Denver; consequently, their dynamic offense must help put pressure on an ineffective Suns defense.

Two years ago, the Suns defeated Denver Nuggets in an embarrassing Western Conference semifinal series sweep. Now with an improved roster, I expect the Nuggets to come out strong early and exact their revenge for that humiliating exit.

Can the Suns win in Denver?

Even though the Suns won their series 4-1 against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, several concerning observations remain about them. First and foremost is how their stars have played so much: Devin Booker and Kevin Durant exceeded 40 minutes each game in this first round, and 37-year-old Chris Paul wasn’t far behind, something which may not be sustainable with three injury-prone players like this.

Phoenix lacks depth on its roster, and Monty Williams doesn’t trust his bench players much; Josh Okogie was the only non-starter receiving consistent minutes in Game 5. Cameron Payne returned later in the series but only played three minutes in Game 5, so having him around should help strengthen their backcourt.

Although despite having three elite stars, the Suns weren’t in sync on offense until later in the series. Granted, Durant only played 13 games since joining them so they are still finding their rhythm as a unit. Booker had an outstanding individual performance, averaging 37.2 points per game. Unfortunately, their defense against the Clippers without Paul George or Kawhi Leonard won’t cut it against an even more potent Nuggets offense.

Our Betting Pick for Today – Bet the Nuggets -2.5

I predict Denver’s home-court advantage will prove too much for the Suns in Game 1. While they are still attempting to find their footing and form a cohesive unit, their first-round matchup against Minnesota proved relatively straightforward; now, against Denver, it may prove much more challenging. With that being said, I think Suns defense may be in for an unpleasant surprise in Game 1 against them and make this line in favor of Denver with odds up to +4.

Tip:
Denver to Cover
Best Odd
-2.5
Brand
FanDuel
Max. Bonus
Bet Now
Read Also
MLB St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati-Reds: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-28-25
Tonight, the St. Louis Cardinals (12–16) visit the Cincinnati Reds (15–13) at ...
NBA Playoffs Game 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-28-25
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to host the Miami Heat in Game ...
Bet365 Promo
NBA Playoffs Game 3 Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-25-25
The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks face off in Game 3 of ...
NBA Playoffs Game 3 New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-24-25
The Knicks secured a 123–112 victory in Game 1, propelled by a ...
NBA Playoffs Game 2 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-23-25
​Tonight’s Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs features the Orlando Magic taking ...
NBA Playoffs Game 2 Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-22-25
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a stunning performance in Game 1, defeating the ...
NBA Playoffs Game 2 Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-22-25
The Indiana Pacers took Game 1 on the road in dominant fashion, ...
NBA Playoffs Game 2 Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-21-25
The New York Knicks lead the series 1-0 after a dramatic 123-112 ...
NBA Playoffs Game 1 Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-19-25
​Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Indiana Pacers ...
NBA Play In Game Dallas Mavericks vs Sacramento Kings: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-15-25
​Tonight’s NBA Play-In Tournament matchup features the Sacramento Kings hosting the Dallas ...
Betting Tips
02/06/2024 - 8:00 pm
Ohio State
Tip:
Ohio State to Cover
-5.50
FanDuel
02/03/2024 - 6:30 pm
Carmichael
Tip:
North Carolina to Cover
-4.00
FanDuel
02/03/2024 - 6:00 pm
Hulman Center
Tip:
Indiana State to Cover
-5.50
FanDuel
Latest News
Cincinnati Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Class Overview
​The Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 NFL Draft strategy centered ...
2025 NFL Draft – Round One Review
1. TENNESSEE - Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL) ...
Ted Kitchel: Indiana Hoosiers’ Silent Assassin of the Early ’80s
When fans recall the golden era of Indiana ...
Why the 1970s were Baseball’s Golden Age
The 1970s: Baseball’s Greatest Decade When fans talk ...
Top Brands
Top Bonuses
Real Prize
Real Prize
Real Prize Review
4.8/5
Stake.us
Stake.us
Stake.us Review
4.6/5
McLuck
4.5/5
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza Review
4.4/5
Jackpota
Jackpota
Jackpota Review
4.3/5
High5Casino
High5Casino
High5Casino Review
4.2/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Review
4.2/5
CrownCoinsCasino
CrownCoinsCasino
CrownCoinsCasino Review
4.2/5
Spree
4.1/5
The Money Factory
The Money Factory
The Money Factory Review
4.1/5
Real Prize
Real Prize Promo
625K Golden Coins + Up to 125 SC FREE + 1250 VIP Points
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Stake.us
Stake.us Promo
56 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
McLuck
McLuck Promo
27.5 SC FREE and 57.5K Gold Coins
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza Promo
150% Purchase Offer: 25 SC FREE and 50K GC
T&Cs apply
4.4/5
Jackpota
Jackpota Promo
27.5 SC FREE and 57.5K Gold Coins
T&Cs apply
4.3/5
High5Casino
High5Casino Promo
245% Extra up to 60 SC FREE + 700 Gold Coins and 400 Diamonds!
T&Cs apply
4.2/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Promo
35 SC FREE and 1.75M WOW Coins
T&Cs apply
4.2/5
CrownCoinsCasino
CrownCoinsCasino Promo
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase - 1.5M CC + 75 SC
T&Cs apply
4.2/5
Spree
Spree Promo
200% Extra Coins: 30 SC FREE + 30K Gold Coins
T&Cs apply
4.1/5
The Money Factory
The Money Factory Promo
300% Extra: 32 SC FREE + 32K Gold Coins
T&Cs apply
4.1/5
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJosh SchwartzSimon BriffaMark LewisSamuel Teets
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Simon Briffa
Simon Briffa
Sports Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Author Icon
drjaygee
Editor
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets IF YOU WIN
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now