Time for the Phoenix Suns to close the book on another offseason, grab their pens, and begin writing a new story for the 2021-22 campaign. The Valley Boys certainly want to cap this one off with a more satisfying ending than the last, but their chance to do so still lies months away.
The Suns first need to navigate their way through the regular season, which starts with their opener against the Denver Nuggets tonight.
Last year, Phoenix ended Denver’s season some authority, sweeping them without much resistance during the Western Conference Semifinals. But with last year’s MVP Nikola Jokic still leading this team, they pose as a threat to take down anyone at anytime.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Opening Night Odds
According to WynnBET, the Suns enter this matchup as the favorite. This feels warranted given Phoenix’s decisive series victory from last year, and with the Nuggets still awaiting star point guard Jamal Murray‘s return.
Spread
- Nuggets +6 (-110)
- Suns -6 (-110)
Moneyline
- Nuggets +200
- Suns -240
Over/Under
- 224.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Opening Night Matchups
The Suns enter the 2021-22 season with arguably the least surprising starting five across the entire NBA, welcoming back the exact same unit which spearheaded their team last year. The Nuggets might undergo some shuffling at the point guard spot to fill the hole left behind by Murray, but their frontcourt remains intact from last year.
Phoenix Suns Five
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
Denver Nuggets Five
- PG: Monte Morris
- SG: Will Barton
- SF: Michael Porter Jr.
- PF: Aaron Gordon
- C: Nikola Jokic
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Opening Night Ways to Watch
As defending Western Conference champions, the Suns earned more nationally televised games for the 2021-22 season. That starts opening night, with ESPN getting the call for Phoenix’s first bout against Denver. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. PST.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Opening Night Predication
With the Suns embarrassing the the Nuggets last year, watch for Denver to come out with a vengeance, and start fast during this one. Keep an eye on Jokic especially, who likely wants to beat Phoenix more than anyone, with him getting ejected against them during Game 4 last year, ending his MVP season in the worst way possible.
But regardless, the Suns carry far more offensive firepower than the Nuggets right now. Denver might indeed jump out to an early lead, but Phoenix will claw their way back into it and take a small lead before halftime. After that, they likely pull away down the stretch and end up starting their season with a dub.