Suns vs Nuggets Picks & Odds on NBA Christmas Day
- The Suns and Nuggets conclude an exciting NBA Christmas slate on Sunday
- Denver is currently in first place, while Phoenix sits in fourth
- Who will take this one? Continue reading for the Suns vs Nuggets odds, preview, and picks
The Mile High City will be the scene on Sunday in the final game of the NBA’s Christmas schedule, as the Phoenix Suns (19-14, 5-9 away) visit Nikola Jokic and the first-place Denver Nuggets (20-11, 11-3 home) at Ball Arena. The tip-off for the nightcap will be at 10:30 pm ET on ESPN.
The Suns are struggling at the moment, losing by 25 points to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Devin Booker has missed five of the last seven games but is returning here. The Nuggets meanwhile beat the Portland Trail Blazers a night ago, their third straight victory.
Suns vs Nuggets Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | +4.5 (-106) | +166 | Ov 230.5 (-110) |
| Denver Nuggets | -4.5 (-114) | -198 | Un 230.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 24th at FanDuel.
The surging Nuggets are a 4.5-point favorite with moneyline odds of -198. They’ve covered in just 45.7% of their games, though. The Suns come back at +166 and own an ATS record of 17-16.
It’s the first meeting of the campaign between the West foes, but Phoenix did win two out of three in 2021-22.
Suns Need Booker Back
A basketball team isn’t defined by one player, but it’s clear Phoenix desperately needs their top scorer back right now. The absence of Booker has been heavily felt, especially because Cam Payne and Cameron Johnson are also sidelined with injuries.
The Suns are just 3-7 in their previous 10 outings and lack that guy who can step up and drop 25+. That’s Book.
Friday’s loss to the Grizz was a prime example. Deandre Ayton’s 18 points were a team-high. While five scorers finished in double-figures, most were around the 10-point mark. To be frank, Monty Williams’ group looked absolutely over-matched in nearly every area.
Memphis killed them on the boards, in the paint, and just showed a lot more energy and will to compete.
The Suns also shot the ball horribly, draining only 26% of their triples and going 15 for 26 from the charity stripe. Booker’s return to the lineup Sunday will provide an instant boost. They’ll need it against a very good Nuggets group. After all, he is averaging a career-high 28 points at the moment.
Denver Turning Heads
Although it’s still early in the campaign, the Nuggets are certainly making an impression in the West. The Joker is enjoying his most efficient season to date, while Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr, among others have proven to be a terrific supporting cast for Jokic.
In fact, Denver has seven players averaging at least 11.3 PPG. That’s balance.
By no surprise, the Serbian big man led the charge Friday, dropping a 29-piece on the Blazers while also dishing out 11 dimes and grabbing eight boards. Just a typical stat line for the reigning two-time MVP. He currently sits eighth in the NBA MVP odds.
The entire starting five finished in double-digits, with Murray going off for 25 points and 12 assists in his first game in five days.
This was the definition of a red-hot night for the Nuggets. They shot a ridiculous 48% from deep and 58% from the field.
Their 31 assists certainly played a part in finding so many good looks. The ball movement was on point. Denver is now 11-3 at Ball Arena and will be searching for win No. 12 Sunday in front of a cheery Christmas crowd.
Suns vs Nuggets Prediction
It’ll be eight days since Booker last suited up by the time he takes the court Sunday. Perhaps there could be some rust. However, this is a completely different team when he’s in the mix and we know what the guard brings to the table.
Between his presence and the Suns’ recent success against Denver, they’re worth a pick. Plus, the Nuggets are only 10-14 as an ATS favorite. It’ll be a close outcome.
Pick: Suns +4.5 (-106)
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $200 INSTANTLY & A NO SWEAT NBA SGP EVERY DAY!
- FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $150 GUARANTEED!
- BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
GET UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS!
- CAESARS SPORTSBOOK
GET UP TO $1,000 BACK - ON CAESARS!
- BET365 SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS!
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT '17). He is a full-time associate editor at ClutchPoints by day, where he writes about soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and more. At night, Quinn is a frequent contributor at SBD.
