Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns (Game 2) Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks, Point Spread

• The Denver Nuggets hope to be more competitive in Game 2 of this second-round series.

• The Phoenix Suns were dominant in Game 1, easily outpacing the Nuggets in the second half.

• Nikola Jokic was recently named the 2021 NBA Most Valuable Player!

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Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Predictions and Picks

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How to Watch Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns

Head-to-Head: Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns

DEN: Reward Jokic’s Work

The Nuggets rely on Jokic to get their offence going, which is why the Denver backcourt needs to do more to support his effort.

The Denver backcourt of Austin Rivers and Monte Morris combined for just nine points, and ten assists in 31 and 23 minutes of play respectively.

Most concerning was their inability to shoot the ball effectively, combining to shoot just three of 17 from the field. If the Nuggets want to beat the Suns, their backcourt needs to be more reliable.

Nuggets Key Player: (C) Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic thanks his team after becoming the first #KiaMVP in @nuggets history ? pic.twitter.com/jTzXoOlB0n

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 8, 2021

Game 1 didn’t go as planned for the 2021 NBA Most Valuable Player. Jokic was the sole bright spot for the Nuggets, but he couldn’t inspire them to victory.

In 36 minutes of play, Nikola Jokic posted 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals. Despite his all-around effort, it was an understated performance for the Joker.

Jokic admitted to his struggles against DeAndre Ayton, but he needs to show his MVP quality. If he’s more aggressive offensively early, the Nuggets can stay competitive.

PHO: A Balanced Attack

As usual, the Phoenix Suns succeed off of the play of their star backcourt Devin Booker and Chris Paul. But in Game 1 they showed a combined effort that should carry them to further success.

In-Game 1 the entire starting lineup scored in the double-digits, combining for 99 of the team’s 122 points. It was efficient as well, combining to shoot 38 of 54 from the field.

Such a well-balanced game is unlikely to happen again, but the means by which they achieved it is worth emulating again. The Suns moved the ball brilliantly, assisting on 30 of their 46 field goals. Their shooting was excellent, a performance that could help to take down the Nuggets in Game 2.

Suns Key Player: (C) DeAndre Ayton

Don’t jump with Deandre Ayton ? pic.twitter.com/l8LiogQCbz

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 8, 2021

In his first taste of playoff action, Ayton hasn’t looked out of his depth for the Phoenix Suns. If anything, he’s been crucial to the Suns’ success.

Ayton posted an impressive 20 point, 10 rebounds double-double on nine of 13 shooting from the field. He’s so effective on both ends of the court, he garnered praise from Nikola Jokic post-match.

The Suns rely on Ayton to be a presence in the paint in order to hold down the Nuggets. His finishing ability pairs perfectly with Phoenix’s backcourt and his effort on the glass makes up for their lack of size.