After taking care of business in the opening round, the top-seeded Nuggets are set to face the 4-seed Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and a resurgent Jamal Murray, Denver needed just five games to do away with a feisty Minnesota squad. Phoenix also got the job done in five games, leaning on its star duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to eliminate an injury-riddled LA Clippers team in the first round.
Since acquiring Durant at the trade deadline, the Suns are now 12-1 when he suits up — the lone loss coming in Game 1 against the Clippers. With future Hall of Famer Chris Paul setting the table, Durant and Booker are developing a beautiful balance on the offensive end.
The Nuggets, owners of the West's best regular-season record, have somehow had their accomplishments overlooked all season. Despite Denver's yearlong dominance, Phoenix is often tabbed as the West's most title-ready team.
Which star-studded team will move one step closer to the NBA Finals? The Sporting News previews the Western Conference Semifinals matchup between the Suns and Nuggets.
Suns vs. Nuggets odds
The Suns open as slight favorites in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Nuggets.
| Suns | Nuggets | |
| Moneyline | -135 | +115 |
Suns vs. Nuggets schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 29 | Game 1 | 8:30 p.m. at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 1 | Game 2 | 10:00 p.m. at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 5 | Game 3 | 10:00 p.m. at Suns | ESPN |
| May 7 | Game 4 | 8:00 p.m. at Suns | TNT |
| May 9 | Game 5* | TBD at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 11 | Game 6* | TBD at Suns | ESPN |
| May 14 | Game 7* | TBD at Nuggets | TBD |
*If necessary.
Suns vs. Nuggets 2022-23 regular season series
Phoenix and Denver split the four-game regular season series, but results should be taken with a grain of salt.
- Dec. 25, 2022: Nuggets 128, Suns 125 (OT)
- Jan. 11, 2023: Nuggets 126, Suns 97
- March 31, 2023: Suns 100, Nuggets 93
- April 6, 2023: Suns 119, Nuggets 115
When the two teams first met on Christmas, Booker attempted to play through a groin injury but was limited to just four minutes of action. He would then miss the Suns' next 21 games, including their Jan. 11 loss to the Nuggets.
In late March, Booker and Durant were in the lineup as the new-look Suns got their first try at the Nuggets, but Denver was without Jokic, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr.
The stakes were low during the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two teams. And while Phoenix had its full complement of star power, Denver was again without its key trio of players, though a 31-point showing from Bruce Brown kept things interesting.
Simply put, these Western Conference powers have yet to meet at full strength this season, adding intrigue to this showdown in the Semifinals.
MOR: Inside the Suns' midrange mastery vs. Clippers
Suns vs. Nuggets key storyline: Who's the best player in the series?
When The Sporting News conducted our most recent vote to rank the NBA's top 30 players, Jokic (2nd), Durant (4th) and Booker (12th) all landed in the top 15. And while Ayton, Murray, Paul and Porter didn't make the cut, each player is capable of making a top-30-like impact in a seven-game series.
Simply put, there will be no shortage of talent in the Western Conference Semifinals.
In the playoffs, it's often the team with the best individual performer that advances. Specific to this series, Booker, Durant, Jokic and Murray are each legitimate candidates to will their team to four victories.
MORE: Jamal Murray explodes for 40 points in just second playoff game since ACL tear
Both Booker and Durant were brilliant in the first round. And while Durant dominated as a creator for himself and others on the offensive end, Booker emerged as a legitimate difference-maker on the defensive end, all while turning in some of the best scoring performances of his playoff career.
For the Nuggets, Jokic is a two-time MVP capable of controlling the game with his passing ability and basketball IQ. Murray is evoking memories of his run in the 2020 NBA "Bubble," evidenced by his rising to the occasion to score 40 points in Game 2 in a close opening-round win over the Timberwolves.
The revelation of Booker as a two-way difference-maker could be what sets him apart from the rest of the talented players in this series. If it is indeed Booker that rises to the occasion, it could be the next step in a defining playoff run for the 26-year-old.
Suns vs. Nuggets predictions
Kyle Irving: Suns in six games
Leandro Fernandez: Suns in six games
Micah Adams: Suns in seven games
Gilbert McGregor: Suns in seven games
Steph Noh: Nuggets in six games
Reo Onishi: Nuggets in six games
Sergio Rabinal: Nuggets in six games
Scott Rafferty: Nuggets in seven games
Thien Luu: Nuggets in seven games
