Introduction:

The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets are set to face off in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs(Suns vs Nuggets). This matchup features two of the best teams in the Western Conference and should make for an exciting series. This article will examine how these teams match up, key players to watch, predictions for the series, and more.

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Overview of the Suns and Nuggets This Season

The Phoenix Suns finished the regular season with a 60-22 record, good for first place in the Pacific Division and second place in the Western Conference. The Suns are led by their All-Star backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, along with center Deandre Ayton and forwards Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder. The Suns had the second-best offensive rating in the NBA this season at 115.2 points per 100 possessions.

The Denver Nuggets went 48-34 on the year to finish first in the Northwest Division and sixth in the West. The Nuggets are powered by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and Monte Morris round out a talented supporting cast. The Nuggets ranked seventh in offensive rating at 113.4 points per 100 possessions.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Nikola Jokic vs. Deandre Ayton: The Nuggets’ MVP will go head-to-head with the athletic Ayton in a clash of two of the NBA’s best big men. Jokic’s versatile inside-out game will challenge Ayton on both ends.
• Chris Paul vs. Monte Morris: The veteran Paul and young Morris will match up at point guard. Paul’s leadership and pick-and-roll mastery will be tested against Morris’ quickness and defensive skills.
• Devin Booker vs. Aaron Gordon: Booker and Gordon are talented scorers who can light it up. Expect high-level perimeter play as these two athletic wings go at each other.

Suns vs Nuggets Prediction and Series Outlook

The Phoenix Suns finished 14 games ahead of the Nuggets in the standings, giving them a home-court advantage. The Suns also won 3 out of the four regular-season meetings between the teams. With their experience and balance on both ends, the Suns are favored to win this series.

However, the Nuggets have the ultimate equalizer in Nikola Jokic. If he can dominate and Denver’s shooters get hot, they can pull off the upset. But the Suns’ depth, defense, and Chris Paul’s leadership should be enough for them to prevail in a competitive six or 7-game series.

It should be a great battle out West between two of the NBA’s top teams. Tune into the playoffs to see if the Suns or Nuggets move on to the second round!

Conclusion:

The Suns finished with the second-best record in the NBA, while the Nuggets overcame injuries to make the playoffs. Phoenix is favored behind their balanced roster and regular season success over Denver. However, with Nikola Jokic playing at an MVP level, the Nuggets have a fighter’s chance to pull off the upset. This should be a thrilling first-round playoff matchup out West.