Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix-suns Picks and Predictions March 7th 2025

Struggling Suns Need Wins, Nuggets Next Team in Way

With just five weeks left in the regular season, both the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets are fighting for crucial playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

While Denver is jockeying for the No. 2 seed, Phoenix is in a much more precarious situation, currently outside the play-in tournament with only 20 games remaining.

Friday night’s matchup in Denver kicks off a critical four-game road trip for the Suns, one that could determine whether they can climb back into postseason contention.

Suns Looking to Maintain Momentum After Comeback Win

Phoenix has won two of its last three games, including an impressive rally from 23 points down to beat the Los Angeles Clippers.

However, the comeback victory was overshadowed by a heated sideline exchange between star Kevin Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Durant downplayed the incident, emphasizing that their passion for winning fueled the moment.

“He allows me as a player on the team, a veteran on the team, to voice my opinion,” Durant said after the game. “If we both didn’t care, we would never have stuff like that. … That shows that me and Bud really care about trying to right this ship and trying to win basketball games.”

Durant backed up his emotions with 34 points in the win and continues to lead the Suns in scoring at 26.9 points per game.

Devin Booker (25.9 PPG) and Bradley Beal (17.6 PPG) round out Phoenix’s Big Three, but their collective impact has been inconsistent due to injuries and chemistry issues throughout the season.

The Suns are 1-2 against Denver this season, including a loss at home on Feb. 8, when Durant was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Nuggets Overcoming Injuries, Continue Strong Play

Denver enters the game dealing with injuries of its own.

Reserve guard Julian Strawther is out for at least four weeks with a left knee sprain, and Aaron Gordon has missed the last three games with a left ankle sprain.

The Nuggets, however, welcomed back Peyton Watson, who returned from a right knee injury in Wednesday’s 117-96 win over Sacramento.

“It felt good to be back, felt good to go out there and help the team win the game,” Watson said. “Definitely some rust to knock off. I am not one for excuses. I am here to help us get wins and help us win games. That is my role on this team. I want to be better on Friday.”

With Gordon sidelined, Russell Westbrook stepped into the starting lineup against the Kings and delivered 25 points, proving he can still provide a significant spark when called upon.

Westbrook is averaging 12.9 points per game, tied with Gordon for fifth on the team, and also ranks second in assists (6.1 APG), alongside Jamal Murray.

Jokic Continues MVP-Caliber Season

As always, Nikola Jokic remains the driving force behind Denver’s success.

The reigning two-time MVP is putting up staggering numbers, ranking top three in the NBA in points, rebounds, and assists.

• 28.8 PPG (1st on team)
• 12.8 RPG (1st on team)
• 10.4 APG (1st on team)

Jokic’s all-around dominance has kept Denver in the race for the No. 2 seed, even as they battle injuries.

Meanwhile, Jamal Murray (21.4 PPG) and Michael Porter Jr. (18.4 PPG) have continued to provide strong secondary scoring for the Nuggets.

Dive into detailed NBA picks and forecasts to gain a competitive edge on game day

What’s at Stake?

For Phoenix, every game is do-or-die at this point. A loss would further hurt its chances of reaching the playoffs, especially as they head into a grueling road trip.

For Denver, a win would tighten its grip on the No. 2 seed in the West, keeping them on pace with the conference’s elite.

With playoff implications on both sides, expect an intense, high-stakes battle at Ball Arena as Phoenix fights for survival and Denver aims to maintain its dominance.