It’s a standalone game in primetime on Tuesday night. The Nuggets (44-28, 4th West) have their eyes set on another deep postseason run. As for the Suns (40-32, 7th West), they’re looking to avoid the Western Conference play-in. With plenty on the line this evening, which players are poised to step up in Phoenix?
The Nuggets are favored by 5.5 points (-108) over the Suns, with the over/under set at 232.5 points. Here are the two top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s Denver vs. Phoenix matchup.
Nuggets vs. Suns prop bet picks
Cameron Johnson 12+ points (-105)
Despite some midseason injury issues, Cam Johnson has been a welcome addition to the Nuggets. Through 46 games, the forward is averaging 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. In addition, he’s delivered 47/43/83 shooting splits. As a secondary option next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, there are usually a handful of open shots on any given night. Peyton Watson (hamstring) is out tonight, which means ample minutes should be available on the wings.
The Suns have molded their new identity on defense, holding opponents to the sixth-fewest points per game (111.0). However, Dillon Brooks (hand) remains sidelined this evening. That leaves the team without its premier wing stopper. It’s worth mentioning that Johnson has had plenty of success against his old squad. In four of his five games vs. Phoenix, the North Carolina alum has notched at least 15 points. That includes the last time these two clubs met back on November 29th, a game Brooks was active for. Johnson is poised for another productive outing on Tuesday night.
Devin Booker 7+ assists (+112)
Given the absence of Brooks, even more responsibility than usual has been placed on Devin Booker. Granted, that’s not much of an issue for the two-time All-NBA selection. This season, he’s accounted for 25.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field. Defenses typically hone in on Booker, given his status as Phoenix’s face of the franchise. However, the gifted scorer has made major strides as a playmaker. Instead of forcing it, the guard is more than willing to get his teammates involved.
Compared to last season, the Nuggets are a much-improved group on defense. Still, the team is susceptible to stellar passing; they’ve allowed the NBA’s 12th-most assists per game (27.4). Both of these teams are deliberate in terms of pace, so a shootout appears unlikely. Regardless, Booker has had success in this spot before. He’s dished out at least seven dimes in each of his previous three meetings with Denver. A similar showing tonight is the expectation at this point.
