Preview: Suns Face Nuggets in Tough Road Battle

[{"selector":"#anim-0ad9be44-7900-4ade-bad6-e037361f70a4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-86bccb93-3583-4a22-9277-eb792e5d1c57","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-116.25%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fb34ee39-b706-47e3-bde2-b9b5755b4a5d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d610402a-59f5-47b0-af5d-2e22d6e0baeb","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-116.25%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Later tonight, the Denver Nuggets welcome the Phoenix Suns, who hope to stop a two-game slump.Phoenix— Tonight, the Suns (35-26) travel to Denver to play the Nuggets (42-19).

[{"selector":"#anim-d0ee8dae-5b1b-4bd5-88fa-b152b91b86cd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1317ca7f-cce6-4060-9431-95fccb526523","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e2f4495d-2f28-4904-8169-b8047c3c213c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

The Suns are trying to snap a two-game losing streak that began this weekend. Devin Booker is sidelined with an ankle ailment.The Nuggets are healthy and 24-5 at home this season. Two plots and a prediction for tonight:

[{"selector":"#anim-5fd03b1b-7e4d-401f-8500-9e4a963454d6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0ba1a6bb-cff6-4f72-b6e1-8e0bb5526297","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6da78f90-a4c2-4c40-8806-ae040f8e555a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Since the beginning of February, Denver has gone 9-3, including a current six-game win run that includes three wins in a row over teams with winning records.

[{"selector":"#anim-cbe0ea08-17cd-4284-8b25-0f25e7c2f0d2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b57752de-1340-4006-a012-8ca80ce31099","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d7eebcc2-4bb6-43ce-aa1d-720b347feb57 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Over the past month, the Nuggets' role players and supporting star, Jamal Murray, have played stronger basketball. Murray is likely having his finest season in eight years.

[{"selector":"#anim-0a1baa57-2440-417c-9c52-31aefece2931","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-25e780ad-482f-449e-b3c0-8d98dc362cb7","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b7b01e37-18e5-40df-bd9a-b8a4c7e975a3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

The biggest worry about Denver is still their lack of depth, but their best five players are good enough to win almost every game they play.

[{"selector":"#anim-97571db3-6ed9-4302-8974-5ec46790a53b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a9ca7ff0-e448-4c41-bb9a-9194f0664998","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-44bc7fe2-e420-4817-a0c4-2e19ea96b275 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.83639694253953%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Denver has really started to take off over the last few weeks, so the Suns haven't seen the Nuggets since December 1. This probably won't be very good for Phoenix.

[{"selector":"#anim-d0976d6d-1d6e-46a9-9ca2-2b8ea7254f42","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c54b325e-4ac3-4782-a1f5-e43242897e4c","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a054ad7e-4421-4d11-ba58-41092e5e2e2c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

This clash may have decided last season's playoffs. Gordon was rated the NBA's top "role player" in 2022-23 and proved it by shadowing the Suns' superstar.

[{"selector":"#anim-51d62949-9e67-4804-a1c6-d3f58e45607c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fc3e1dff-a73d-46b8-8d55-6e11660ea151","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-93dfe696-d5d3-44fa-ac15-429cacb7b773","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Even though the series was tight at one point, Denver was able to pull away with decisive victories because to Gordon's efforts to limit Durant's shooting performance.

[{"selector":"#anim-1afd1d84-c0a7-41b2-94b3-1eb7b2d4d0b5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cdf752f8-3f84-4da5-a063-ce724a5c9f3e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b16d6784-3805-4cd6-b7fc-fac6f6a145d4","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The post-all-star break funk that Durant has been in is something that he is also eager to get out of. This stretch of time has been perhaps the worst stretch of his career as a member of the Suns.

[{"selector":"#anim-4a95b678-6a85-4f0c-8332-e7f0d95964df [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.79044105990773%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6d55c2c3-75da-40ff-a52b-1dbcf9bbfbf0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d0f1abe0-ece6-4a97-99a0-192fcf638d42","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Durant must bounce back even better given his running companion is out tonight and Nikola Jokic has all his weapons.Nuggets are playing too well.

[{"selector":"#anim-0443129f-47ca-479f-bd79-f5e0bbb99247 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-43d7b006-99b1-40d6-b357-98dd1f0710dc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b142f738-736b-45db-b8e0-fdf9d0f8a4cf","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Unfortunately, Booker isn't playing, so the game would be different. Phoenix will fall short against MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic's backing by Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Gordon.

[{"selector":"#anim-3ef3d930-e5da-4cb4-86e1-937b367ccbcd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f449a439-cd65-4df7-b328-1b2bcad13f69","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d812c07-45b6-4de2-8819-578a744e231b","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

TNT will be the broadcaster for tonight's Suns-Nuggets game, which is scheduled to begin shortly after 8:00 PM Arizona time and will be broadcast nationwide.

[{"selector":"#anim-24f6548f-5ff4-40d3-89a7-5bc7956a3464 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-55a79d32-c4b4-4352-b590-e309bef8ab31","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-efcafc30-71f4-4fae-9d06-fa69017661d4","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

also see

[{"selector":"#anim-21d312bb-8779-4436-9f30-c2b8364972b6","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(114.51104%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .8, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8c03b470-cc93-41ef-82f2-4ecdb5434765","keyframes":{"transform":["rotateZ(180deg)","rotateZ(0deg)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .5, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7db934f5-f493-45b2-8a60-2bcdaf8a7d28","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ffe2015d-a255-4c27-b7c1-a46557d2d360","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5392af19-f604-473c-bec9-5b53e8d5fdac","keyframes":[{"offset":0,"transform":"translate3d(0, -517.73505%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.29,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.45,"transform":"translate3d(0, -145.58709606%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.61,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.71,"transform":"translate3d(0, -49.495470780000005%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.8,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.85,"transform":"translate3d(0, -18.586688295000002%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.92,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.96,"transform":"translate3d(0, -8.07666678%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":1,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"}],"delay":0,"duration":600,"fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f802feaa-9331-4618-800f-c815570ecf9b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Swipe up

Preview: Suns Face Nuggets in Tough Road Battle

_______________________

Later tonight, the Denver Nuggets welcome the Phoenix Suns, who hope to stop a two-game slump.Phoenix— Tonight, the Suns (35-26) travel to Denver to play the Nuggets (42-19).

The Suns are trying to snap a two-game losing streak that began this weekend. Devin Booker is sidelined with an ankle ailment.The Nuggets are healthy and 24-5 at home this season. Two plots and a prediction for tonight:

Since the beginning of February, Denver has gone 9-3, including a current six-game win run that includes three wins in a row over teams with winning records.

Over the past month, the Nuggets' role players and supporting star, Jamal Murray, have played stronger basketball. Murray is likely having his finest season in eight years.

The biggest worry about Denver is still their lack of depth, but their best five players are good enough to win almost every game they play.

Denver has really started to take off over the last few weeks, so the Suns haven't seen the Nuggets since December 1. This probably won't be very good for Phoenix.

This clash may have decided last season's playoffs. Gordon was rated the NBA's top "role player" in 2022-23 and proved it by shadowing the Suns' superstar.

Even though the series was tight at one point, Denver was able to pull away with decisive victories because to Gordon's efforts to limit Durant's shooting performance.

The post-all-star break funk that Durant has been in is something that he is also eager to get out of. This stretch of time has been perhaps the worst stretch of his career as a member of the Suns.

Durant must bounce back even better given his running companion is out tonight and Nikola Jokic has all his weapons.Nuggets are playing too well.

Unfortunately, Booker isn't playing, so the game would be different. Phoenix will fall short against MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic's backing by Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Gordon.

TNT will be the broadcaster for tonight's Suns-Nuggets game, which is scheduled to begin shortly after 8:00 PM Arizona time and will be broadcast nationwide.

also see

also see

NBA Power Rankings: Spurs Rising After Win Streak?