Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Prediction: Jokic and Murray will most likely not play

The NBA Preseason is one and to be fair, it is just not the same as the Regular Season. You never know if the whole starting lineup is rested or if a player that may not even make the roster is getting around 15 minutes. The Regular Season brings more consistent rotations and we see a higher level of intensity and engagement. Still, engagement will be high when the Denver Nuggets take on the Phoenix Suns.

The Nuggets come into this game after losing 113:131 to the Chicago Bulls despite Bones Hyland’s 24 points outburst. Nikola Jokic was rested to begin fresh during the Regular Season while Jamal Murray saw limited action. Both of those players will most likely be rated here too. Michael Porter Jr. can end up showing and Bones Hyland will once again get more touches than he is likely to get in the Regular Season.

The Nuggets can develop one of the strongest inside-outside offenses with the trio of Murray, Porter Jr., and Jokic. The bench looks stronger with the inclusion of Bruce Brown who can slate in the running role and a defensive role alongside trigger-happy Bones Hyland. Deandre Jordan bolsters the middle and overall, the roster balance looks well. Will that translate in the loaded West?

The Suns got back to their winning ways against everyone’s favorite Preseason punching bag; the Lakers. They won 119:115 as Devin Booker nailed 22 points. Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne both suffered injuries which dampens the mood for the fanbase and the team alike. Johnson is likely to return during Regular Season opener while Payne’s status will be revealed sometime during next week.

The Suns have now been an elite squad for two straight seasons. They made the Finals in 2021 and then finished as the top seed in 2022. Chris Paul’s duo alongside Devin Booker fits well as both players need not prove their personal worth and are hunting for a championship. The team has a strong two-way wing in Mikal Bridges but the Deandre Ayton situation looks complicated as the Center has looked a bit off after not coming into a contract extension.

The Nuggets and the Suns both are strong squads this season but the Suns’ team chemistry can be better considering they have been on top for two straight years. If the Nuggets are healthy, they will be a formidable foe but I see only a top-four finish for them at best, and not a title run. Anyway, coming back to this game, I fancy the Suns here especially if Booker and Paul play here.