The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets will play Game 3 of their best-of-seven series on Friday evening in the Mile High City. After thrashing the Nuggets 123-98 in Game 2 on Wednesday, Phoenix takes a 2-0 lead in the series. As a result, the Nuggets are in for an uphill battle that starts in a high-pressure area as the series shifts to Denver.
The Nuggets are a fantastic offensive club, led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic in 2020-21. While Jokic was at least moderately efficient in Game 2, Denver’s supporting cast was not, and the team’s offensive efficiency was below average as a result. The Nuggets are shooting just 43% from the field and 34% from three-point range in this series, and they are only attempting 13 free throws a game. Returning home should help role players improve their effectiveness, but the Nuggets are also short-handed due to injuries, and Michael Porter Jr. is listed as probable with back tightness on the injury report.
In the first two games of this series, everything has gone smoothly for Phoenix. The Suns are averaging more than 1.25 points per possession, which is a high number, and they are averaging 28.5 assists per game while only committing 8.5 turnovers a game. Chris Paul (17 points, 15 assists, and no turnovers in Game 2) and Devin Booker are the most consistent scorers, but Deandre Ayton (17.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 65 percent shooting) is also putting up impressive numbers. Through two games, the Suns have shot 51/43/87 percent from the field, taking full advantage of a Nuggets defense that isn’t great in any case.
From a betting standpoint, Game 2 went Under the total of 224 points and Phoenix covered the closing point spread of six points as a favorite.
Game 3 TV Info
Tip Time: Friday, June 11; 10:00 p.m. ET
TV Network: ESPN
Game 3 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Series Prices: Suns (-910), Nuggets (+570)
Spread: Nuggets -1.5 (-114), Suns +1.5 (-107)
Total: Over 223.5 (-112), Under 223.5 (-109)
Money Line: Nuggets (-124), Suns (+104)
