Nuggets vs Suns Game 3 Prediction & Best Bets

After taking care of business twice in Denver, the Western Conference's top seed is two wins away from the conference finals. But will the Nuggets vs Suns series take a turn now that things have shifted to Phoenix?

If that is to happen in tonight's Game 3 (10:00 pm ET, ESPN), the Suns will have to do it without Chris Paul, who is out for tonight's pivotal matchup at the Footprint Center with a groin injury.

Will Phoenix close the gap without CP3? Read on for our Nuggets vs Suns prediction for Game 3, as well as our best bets for what shapes up as the most important game of the series.

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Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Friday, May 5, 2023, at 9:05 am ET.

Spread

• Denver Nuggets +4 (-108)
• Phoenix Suns -4 (-112)

Over/Under

• Over 224 (-110)
• Under 224 (-110)

Moneyline

• Denver Nuggets +158
• Phoenix Suns -188

Will Devin the Distributor Pull Phoenix Back into the Series?

Paul exited the game with 4:32 remaining in the third quarter and did not return, but the Suns actually expanded their lead from four to as many as a game-high eight.

But after being done in by a woeful second quarter in Game 1, the Suns were done in by fourth-quarter futility. They entered the final 12 minutes with a three-point lead over the Nuggets but were outscored 27-14 as the Nuggets claimed a 97-87 win.

Phoenix put the clamps down on Jamal Murray, who was 3 of 15 from the field, missed all nine of his three-point attempts, and scored only 10 points after hitting six threes and scoring 34 points in Denver's Game 1 win?

But they had no answer for Nikola Jokic, who had 39 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists to pace the Nuggets.

The Suns got 35 points from Devin Booker, but in addition to not being able to sufficiently slow down Jokic, they were also tripped up by a couple of other issues.

One was a subpar shooting performance by Kevin Durant, who scored 24 points but was only 2 of 12 from three and 10 of 27 overall from the field.

The other was a lack of production from the supporting cast. Deandre Ayton was 7 of 10 from the field and scored 14 points, but beyond him, Booker, and Durant, the rest of the team was just 7 of 29 (24.3%) from the field, including 0 of 11 from three, and managed just 14 points.

In addition to improved shooting by Durant and more production from the supporting cast, the Suns will benefit from an all-around performance by Booker.

In Game 2, D-Book hit the 30-point mark for the fifth time in this year's playoffs. He also logged six assists, which was also the fifth time this postseason that he dropped at least that many dimes.

Booker has now recorded 30+ points and 6+ assists 13 times this season, and when he has done so, the Suns are 11-3 SU. Their two losses other than Monday's loss in Denver were each by a point, a 134-133 loss at Utah on November 18 and a 122-121 loss at Houston on December 2.

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction for Nuggets vs Suns: Suns to win

Best Bets for Nuggets vs Suns: Suns to cover (Best Value: -4 @ BetOnline)

The Nuggets are heavily favored to win the series at this point, and a loss tonight won't put a major dent in their chances. But I think a big night from Booker will help Phoenix trim the deficit and at least ensure that the series has a chance of returning to Denver.

Best Player Prop Bets for Nuggets vs Suns

• Devin Booker over 30.5 points (Best Value: BetMGM)
• Devin Booker over 38.5 points + assists (Best Value: BetOnline)

Where to Bet on Suns vs Nuggets

Here are four legal sports betting sites that we highly recommend and have reviewed, where you can bet on this year's NBA postseason action.

This is obviously a very popular time of year for NBA betting, and you can get in on the action at any of the top sports betting sites out there.

But these four books are all reputable names, and you can trust them with your betting funds.