As the Denver Nuggets continue to look like a championship contender behind the MVP-level play of Nikola Jokic, the Phoenix Suns will try to slow them and turn around their disappointing season.
With Kevin Durant not being moved at the trade deadline, Phoenix is looking to play its way into the playoffs.
Still, with their superstar’s status in doubt, I’m expecting Denver to flex on Mike Budenholzer’s team in my Nuggets vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, February 8.
Nuggets vs Suns prediction
My best bet
Nuggets -4 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
It appeared Kevin Durant’s biggest suitor ahead of the trade deadline was his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
However, the Phoenix Suns were forced to keep the 36-year-old because KD was not interested in reuniting with Steph Curry & Co. in the Bay Area.
Durant didn’t suit up for the team on Friday against the Utah Jazz due to an ankle injury, and he’s listed as day to day ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
At this point, he’s not expected to play, and neither is three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, who’s also listed as day-to-day with a toe injury.
If neither of them play, Phoenix could be in major trouble, with too much falling on Devin Booker against one of the NBA’s best teams. The Nuggets offense is an unstoppable force thanks to Nikola Jokic, ranking third in points per game (120.8) and offensive rating (119.6).
Joker is having arguably the best season of his career, even if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the NBA MVP odds favorite over him. Thanks to the three-time MVP, the Nuggets lead the NBA in field goal percentage (50.7%) and dominate inside the arc, leading the league in 2-pointers made per game (33.7).
They’re built to push a Suns defense that’s just 26th in rating and 19th in twos allowed per game. Phoenix simply doesn’t have the talent to slow Jokic and an offense that leads the league in assists per game (31.2), ranks fifth in 3-point percentage (37.8%), and fifth in free throws made per game (18.1).
Denver has too many ways to beat the Suns, even if Durant is on the court. The Nuggets have been on a tear lately, too, covering in three straight games, while the Suns are 5-10 ATS since Jan. 11.
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Nuggets vs Suns same-game parlay
Nuggets -4
Nikola Jokic Over 42.5 points+rebounds
Jamal Murray 2+ threes
The Suns are allowing the fourth-most points and the seventh-most rebounds to fives. That’s got to have Michael Malone licking his lips with the way his star can take advantage.
Jokic is third in the league in both points and rebounds, and he’s gone Over 42.5 combined P+R in 23 of 46 games this season. The boards should really push him over the top against a Suns team just 25th in rpg (42.5).
It won’t just be Jokic exposing the Suns, either. Jamal Murray is set to have a nice showing. Phoenix allows the fifth-most threes per game to point guards (3.36), and Murray is averaging two per game this season.
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Nuggets vs Suns odds
Nuggets vs Suns live odds
Nuggets vs Suns opening odds
- Spread: Denver -4 | Phoenix +4
- Moneyline: Denver -170 | Phoenix +145
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 | Under 234.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Nuggets vs Suns spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Nuggets opened between four and 4.5-point favorites, with the line seeing minimal movement as the tip approached.
- Although the Nuggets are just 26-25-1 ATS this season, they’re far better than the Suns, who have the worst ATS record in the NBA (18-32-1).
- The Over/Under opened as low as 234.5, but has been steadily climbing and is as high as 237.5.
- The Nuggets are among the best Over teams in the NBA at 32-20, while Phoenix is middle of the pack at 26-25.
Nuggets vs Suns trend
The Phoenix Suns have only covered the spread in 29 of their last 82 games (-27.10 Units / -30% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Suns.
How to watch Nuggets vs Suns
| Location | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date | Saturday, 2-8-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Altitude, Arizona's Family 3TV |
Nuggets vs Suns latest injuries
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