Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions for Friday October 30 2026
Denver has already had one of those weeks where you wonder which version of the Nuggets is going to show up. They scored 141 against New Orleans, got knocked around by Golden State, then went right back on the road and held the Pelicans to 91. That’s quite a swing. But the last game is the one I like. Denver won 104-91 Wednesday without needing a big scoring night, and that matters against a Phoenix team that’s been having trouble putting complete games together.
The Nuggets visit the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Friday, October 30, with tipoff set for 10:00 PM ET. It’s an NBA Cup group game. Denver is favored by 2.5 points, and the total is sitting around 233.5, depending on the sportsbook. I’m laying the small number with the Nuggets, but I think the total is where there’s an interesting argument. Be prepared for all the NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Denver Nuggets Need to Bring Their Defense Again
Denver is 2-2, including 1-1 on the road. The Nuggets opened with a 96-84 loss to Oklahoma City, beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime, got handled 134-114 by Golden State, and then bounced back Wednesday with that 104-91 win over the Pelicans. You can see the problem. Denver has played four games and looked like four different teams. But I liked the response Wednesday. After giving up 134 to the Warriors, the Nuggets got back to defending and didn’t need a bunch of three-pointers to win.
Denver is averaging 113 points a game, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story. One night the Nuggets score 141, another night they manage 84. They haven’t found a steady offensive rhythm yet. The rebounding has been better, around 45 a game, and that’s something they can use against Phoenix. The Suns haven’t been especially strong on the glass. If Denver gets second chances and keeps Phoenix from running after missed shots, I think the Nuggets can control the game without having to score 125.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Nikola Jokic is still the guy who makes Denver difficult to defend. He can score inside, find an open shooter or make a defense pay for sending help. Jamal Murray gives the Nuggets another option when they need somebody to create a shot late. The injury report is worth watching, though. Cameron Johnson has been dealing with an ankle problem, Spencer Jones has a hamstring issue, and Julian Strawther is out with a knee injury. Denver isn’t at full strength. But the Nuggets still have enough offense to attack a Phoenix team that hasn’t been particularly consistent defensively.
Phoenix Suns Have Been Hard to Figure Out
Phoenix is 1-2, and the Suns have already had one impressive win and two ugly losses. They opened by losing 124-83 at Portland. That’s a 41-point beating, and it’s hard to forget. Then they came home and beat Golden State 131-122, which looked like a completely different team. Monday they went to Oklahoma City and lost 125-114. So which Phoenix team are we getting Friday? The one that scored 131 against the Warriors or the one that couldn’t get to 85 in Portland?
The Suns are averaging about 109 points and allowing more than 123. They’ve also been outrebounded, which is a concern against Denver. Phoenix can score when its outside shots are falling, and that Golden State game proved it. But the Suns haven’t been getting enough stops. Denver has had its own offensive problems, so Phoenix could stay close if it makes the Nuggets work in the half court. The trouble is that the Suns haven’t shown they can defend that way for an entire game.
Devin Booker gives Phoenix a reliable scoring option, and he’s capable of taking over a fourth quarter. That’s what makes me nervous about laying points against the Suns at home. One hot stretch can turn a six-point Denver lead into a two-point game pretty quickly. Phoenix is also dealing with some frontcourt injuries. Mark Williams is out with a shoulder problem, and Oso Ighodaro has been day-to-day with an oblique injury. That doesn’t help against Denver’s size. The Suns need to rebound better than they have so far, or they’ll spend too much of the night defending extra possessions.
Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions
Denver Nuggets -2.5 (-110)
I’m taking Denver minus 2.5. It’s not that the Nuggets have been great. They haven’t. But Phoenix has allowed 124, 122 and 125 points, and I don’t like the Suns’ rebounding situation against Jokic and company. Denver just held New Orleans to 91, so at least we’ve seen the Nuggets win with defense. The Suns could absolutely shoot their way to a win. They already did it against Golden State. But asking Phoenix to make enough shots to cover up its defensive problems every night is a tough way to bet. I’ll take Denver to win by four or five.
Under 233.5 Points (-105)
Give me Under 233.5. Denver’s last game finished with 195 total points, and the Nuggets have already played two games where they scored fewer than 105. Phoenix has been inconsistent offensively too. The Suns scored 83 against Portland, then 131 against Golden State. That’s a huge difference. I think Denver will try to keep this game under control, get good shots through its half-court offense and avoid letting Phoenix run. Now, if the Suns start hitting threes and Denver answers, this could get away from us. But I like a game in the low 220s more than another shootout. Denver 114-109 feels about right.
Final Picks: Denver Nuggets -2.5 (-110) and Under 233.5 Points (-105)
Preview prepared October 29, 2026.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Get Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets Over Your First 10 Days
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
