The NBA has put together another great Christmas Day slate, and they’re a little like me opening presents as a kid. I always save the biggest one for last, and that could be this game. Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level once again and the Denver Nuggets are the top seed in the West at 20-11.
Phoenix is a few games back in the loss column at19-14, but Devin Booker has missed three straight games and is questionable for this one. If the Suns’ star is back, then this could be a Western Conference Finals preview on Christmas Day.
The Nuggets are home favorites in this one, so let’s get right into the odds, because if we can hit this late-night bet, it’ll be like the last gift of Christmas.
Suns vs. Nuggets Odds, Spread and Total
Suns vs. Nuggets Prediction and Pick
The Suns have lost two-straight with Booker out and could be in trouble against another team at the top of the West. On Friday, they fell 125-100 to Memphis and Ja Morant only needed to score 12 points.
A lineup of Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Torrey Craig, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton just doesn’t strike much fear in opponents. Especially with Paul only averaging 12 points a night and just under nine assists. The Suns are fourth in offensive efficiency this year, but a lot of that is tied to Booker averaging 28 and six. If he can’t go, or is not 100%, then this one could get away from them.
The Nuggets are the No. 1 team in offensive efficiency this season and they’ll have their full complement of weapons for this one. The problem is that they’re 27th in defensive efficiency, they’ve had their issues getting stops and that’s why some can’t fully buy into them as NBA Finals favorites or even a contender.
Jokic has been on a heater lately; a 120-107 win over Portland where he had 29 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, a 105-91 win over Memphis he had 13, 13, and 13, and a 119-114 win over Charlotte he went for a casual 40, 10 assists, and 27 boards. Every night will be different, but all equally dominant. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for Christmas night.
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