Phoenix-suns vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions November 29th 2025

Match Facts

Phoenix and Denver meet in a high-intensity Western Conference clash as both teams come out of the NBA Cup group stage with very different emotions. The Suns dropped a 123-119 decision at Oklahoma City in a game that still secured them the West wild-card slot on point differential, while the Nuggets’ 139-136 home loss to San Antonio ended their Cup run and extended a frustrating pattern of early exits. Phoenix has leaned heavily on emerging guard Collin Gillespie in the absence of key rotation pieces, while Denver continues to ride elite production from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, plus an expanded role for Peyton Watson. With both teams firmly in the playoff picture and the Nuggets on a six-game road winning streak, this matchup carries clear early-season seeding implications.

Matchup Info	Details
Sport	NBA
Teams	Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns
Venue	Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix
Date	Saturday, November 29, 2025
Time	9:00 PM ET
Records	Nuggets 13-5 (7-2 road), Suns 12-8 (8-3 home)

Team profiles and season stats for both clubs can be found on the NBA teams page.

Line and Odds

Nuggets -5.5 (-113), Suns +5.5 (-107)
Moneyline: Nuggets -218, Suns +187
Total: 233.5 (-110)

For live movement, alternate lines, and updated totals, check the NBA odds page.

Movement Matchup

Denver arrives in Phoenix with one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in the league and a six-game road winning streak that underscores how well their game travels. The Nuggets are averaging 124.5 points per game, tops in the NBA, while leading the league in effective field-goal percentage at 58.0. Their 38.0 percent three-point shooting stretches defenses horizontally, and their rebounding control (46.0 boards per game) gives them second-chance opportunities that few teams can match. Jamal Murray has been on a tear, piling up 115 points and 34 assists across his last four games, while Jokic continues to operate as an offensive hub, flirting with triple-doubles almost nightly. Even with key forwards out, Denver’s offensive structure has held firm, powered by continuity and elite two-man game execution.

Phoenix comes in off a “good loss” in Oklahoma City, where a four-point defeat doubled as their ticket to the NBA Cup quarterfinals as the West wild card. That game also marked the latest jump in Collin Gillespie’s rise. Making just his second career start, Gillespie poured in 24 points on six made threes, repeatedly dragging the Suns back into the game in the fourth quarter. Phoenix trimmed a 15-point deficit to one late, showing resilience and competitive spirit in a playoff-style environment. Even without Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn, the Suns’ perimeter shooting and competitive edge kept them within striking distance of one of the league’s best teams. That type of intensity and shot-making will be necessary again against Denver’s powerful offense.

Breakdown Injury Reports

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

Player	Status	Notes
Christian Braun	Out	Ankle; has missed multiple games, impacting wing depth
Aaron Gordon	Out	Hamstring; key two-way forward still sidelined

Phoenix Suns Injury Report

Player	Status	Notes
Grayson Allen	Out	Quad injury; removes a key floor spacer
Ryan Dunn	Out	Wrist injury; depth and defensive versatility affected

Phoenix Suns Recent Performance

Phoenix’s recent stretch has been defined by resilience, lineup flexibility, and the emergence of unexpected contributors. In the loss at Oklahoma City, the Suns nearly erased a huge fourth-quarter deficit behind Gillespie’s career night, Devin Booker’s steady scoring, and a collective willingness to keep firing from deep. Gillespie’s activity, pace, and shooting have quickly made him a trusted piece in Jordan Ott’s rotation, with the coaching staff praising his energy and work rate on both ends. Even in defeat, Phoenix showed that it can compete with elite teams in a high-stakes setting, leveraging its strong shooting profile and defensive effort to stay in games late.

Statistically, the Suns are well-equipped to trade blows with any opponent. They rank near the top of the league in three-pointers made per game (15.1) and convert 37.7 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc, both strong indicators of a modern, perimeter-oriented attack. Defensively, they allow just 113.2 points per game and hold opponents to 34.6 percent from three, showing an ability to contest shots and limit clean looks. The concern remains depth and consistency when top options sit, but the rise of Gillespie and the continued reliability of Booker give Phoenix multiple paths to offensive success.

Denver Nuggets Recent Performance

Denver’s form remains that of a true contender despite the disappointment of another early Cup exit. Their loss to San Antonio was more about defensive slippage than offensive shortcomings, as they still put up 136 points and got massive nights from Murray and Jokic. Murray’s recent stretch has been outstanding, combining efficient scoring with high-level playmaking and composure late in games. Jokic continues to dictate tempo and shot quality, regularly finishing just a rebound or assist shy of triple-doubles. Together, they anchor an offense that leads the league in scoring and effective field-goal percentage while also maintaining balance across starting and reserve units.

Injury issues have forced Denver to lean more heavily on Peyton Watson, who has responded by tripling his scoring average as a starter while logging over 30 minutes per night. His length, athleticism, and growing offensive confidence have helped offset the loss of Gordon and Braun, and his activity on the glass has been vital during this injury stretch. The Nuggets’ defense, while not elite by raw points allowed, does a strong job of limiting opponent three-point efficiency and forcing them into less efficient zones. Their road form—six straight wins away from home—suggests they are comfortable imposing their structure and pace regardless of environment.

Betting Insights and Trends

On paper, this game sets up as a high-scoring matchup between two teams with elite shooting profiles and strong defensive structures. Denver’s league-leading 124.5 points per game and top-tier efficiency metrics make them justifiable road favorites, especially given their recent success away from home. Their ability to control the glass and limit opponent three-point percentage stands out against a Suns team that leans heavily on perimeter scoring to generate offense. If Denver controls the rebounding battle and keeps Phoenix off the free-throw line, their efficiency edge should translate into scoreboard separation.

Phoenix’s case rests on shooting variance, home-court advantage, and continued breakout performances from players like Gillespie. The Suns have the three-point firepower to punish any defensive lapses and enough defensive structure to at least make Denver work for their points. If Booker gets rolling early and role players sustain recent shooting trends, Phoenix can cover or even threaten the outright upset. However, the Nuggets’ depth, star stability, and road dominance tilt the matchup in their favor. For more angle-driven breakdowns and model-backed NBA projections, visit the NBA picks page and the NBA betting guide.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Score: Nuggets 124, Suns 117
Best Bet: Nuggets -5.5
Total: Over 233.5

Handicapper Section

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