The Denver Nuggets (28-12) will travel to Talking Stick Resort Arena to clash with the Phoenix Suns (10-33). The game can be seen on Altitude 2 Sports at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Nuggets (6-point favorites) covered in a 121-100 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 104-94, but did cover as 11-point underdogs. The Denver game finished 5 points under the projected point total of 226, while the Phoenix game finished 19.5 points under the projected point total of 217.5.
Denver dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 28.2) and a turnover percentage of 7.9 (better than their season average of 12.0). Los Angeles was 17.4 and 10.9, respectively, for those same stats. Phoenix, on the other hand, forced Dallas into a turnover percentage of 17.5 (above their season average of 13.7). Richaun Holmes was a key piece for Phoenix with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic played a huge role in the victory for Denver, accumulating 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his fourth triple-double this year.
In their two contests this year, the Nuggets have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined for 240 points, well over the projected point total of 215.5. Denver won 122-118 but was unable to cover as a 4.5-point favorite. Denver did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (20-26; 76.9 percent). Phoenix, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 19.4). Jamal Murray scored a game-high 46 points.
Nuggets matchups have typically finished under the O/U total (55.0 percent). Denver heads into the game with records of 28-12 straight up (SU) and 23-17 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Suns also have typically finished under the total (55.8 percent). Moreover, Phoenix is 10-33 SU and 19-24 ATS.
The Nuggets’ Jokic has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 27 points,12.6 rebounds,8.2 assists,1.6 steals,1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Josh Jackson has averaged 13 points during that same time frame for the Suns.
It could be a tough game for Phoenix on the offensive glass. The Suns rank 26th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.3 percent), while Denver ranks eighth in defensive rebounding percentage (78.1 percent).
Nuggets at Suns ATS Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Nuggets, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Denver ranks first in second chance points per game (16.2) while Phoenix ranks 28th (11.2).
- The Nuggets rank second in assists per game (27.4) while the Suns rank 24th in assists allowed per game (25.5).
- Denver ranks seventh in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.3) while Phoenix ranks 28th (20.1).
- Denver averages 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Phoenix ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (9.3).
- The Nuggets rank fifth in rebounds per game (47.3) while the Suns rank 28th (40.2).
- The Nuggets rank sixth in fast break points allowed per game (12.1) while the Suns rank 26th (16.1).
- Denver averages 52.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.4).
- Phoenix is 3-1 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Denver is 14-1.
- The Suns are 9-20 when they reach 100 points, while the Nuggets are 27-8.
- Phoenix is 10-13 ATS at home, while Denver is 9-11 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 11 of the Nuggets’ 20 road games, while 13 of the Suns’ 23 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Nuggets are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Suns are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Denver has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Phoenix has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Nuggets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 5.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 112.0 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average).