Just one game this evening, between the Nuggets and the Suns, and our NBA picks has the winner for you!
After picking the Suns in each of their last three games, all wins, have we picked them again? Nikola Jokic was just announced as MVP and will do everything for his side to level the series at 1-1, but do we have them coming out on top?
Read on below, as our NBA picks previews tonight’s game and provides you with the winner!
Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns (Game 2) – 9:30pm EDT
The lone game of the evening sees the Phoenix Suns looking to claim a 2-0 series lead over newly crowned MVP, Nikola Jokic, and his Denver Nuggets. After a close tussle in the first half, that saw Denver leading by one at half time, the Suns kicked into gear to run away 17 point winners.
The 2020-2021 NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic 🔥
First reported by The Athletic and confirmed to ESPN.
🃏 26.4 PPG
🃏 10.8 RPG
🃏 8.3 AST pic.twitter.com/SSNe5YBeEq— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 8, 2021
A 31-21 third quarter was followed up by a 34-26 final period for the Suns, as Chris Paul scored 16 of his 21 points after the main break, with 14 of those, on 6/6 shooting, coming in the last quarter. Finishing with 10 assists, compared to just one turnover, this was Paul’s first double double of the postseason, sensing the moment that his side needed him most.
With Devin Booker being hounded by the Nuggets’ defense, the Suns needed to look in other avenues for their regular scoring punch. Deandre Ayton, who has had a spectacular playoffs so far, had a 20 point, 10 rebound double double, while Mikal Bridges had a breakout offensive game. The defensive minded wing had a game high 23 points, along with five rebounds and five assists, while shooting 8/12 (66.7%) from the field and 4/8 from deep.
The entire Phoenix starting lineup combined to shoot 59.4% from the field for 99 points, with four of them scoring 20+. Denver on the other hand had their starters combine for just 76 points, with just one, Jokic, scoring 20+. Michael Porter Jr is regularly Denver’s second scoring option but tweaked his back in game one, scoring just three points after halftime for a total of 15.
Aaron Gordon stepped up into the void, scoring 18 points for the game, with 12 of those coming in the second half. This was Gordon’s best offensive game of the postseason so far, and second highest points tally since joining the Nuggets halfway through the season. Luckily, Porter Jr is expected to be good-to-go for tonight’s clash and Mike Malone has stated that Will Barton is likely to suit up, giving Denver another scoring punch to assist Jokic.
PHOENIX IS LIT RN 🔥
(via @Suns) pic.twitter.com/KJHmkREI45
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 8, 2021
Despite the likely health of Denver’s top offensive weapons, Phoenix worked hard to earn home court advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs and it is paying off for them now. The 16,219 fans in attendance were going crazy during the second half comeback and helped the Suns push further ahead. That sort of intensity is what the playoffs are all about and with Paul leading the way for the Suns, they should take care of business at home yet again.
NBA Pick – Phoenix Suns (-250)
NBA Spread – Unlock Premium Picks
Total Points Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NBA hub page for all your basketball needs.
*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
Want more picks? We have just launched our Premium Picks service, and for a limited time only, it is free! *T&Cs Apply.
Image by: Corleone Brown
