The Phoenix Suns host the Denver Nuggets at the Footprint Center in a critical Western Conference matchup. With so many superstars on the court, there’s no doubt that this could be the best game for fans on Friday night’s schedule.
Injury Update for Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns
The Nuggets travel to Phoenix with a 2-0 series lead, and the emphasis is on Phoenix to claw their way back into the series in round one.
During the regular season, the home team went undefeated in four meetings, which the Suns hope will continue into this one.
The Nuggets have won the first two games of the series at home and are feeling confident about their chances.
They are one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals, but they can’t afford to slow down.
On Monday against the Suns, Nikola Jokic logged 41 minutes and recorded a stat line of 39 points (17-30 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 16 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
In Game 2 of the series, Jokic again shone brightly and completely outclassed the other team’s center, Deandre Ayton.
Jokic has shot 51% from the field in the first two games of the series with Phoenix after shooting an uncharacteristically poor 8-for-29 in the Nuggets’ first-round series-clinching triumph over the Timberwolves last Tuesday.
Jokic’s return on Friday will be much anticipated by Nuggets supporters.
With a 20-23 record on the road this season, including two losses in Phoenix, Denver has had a tough go of things away from home this year.
If they win this game, they will have effectively won the series. However, if they lose, the other team’s confidence will swiftly grow.
Denver’s depth has been key to their success through two games, and with a road trip ahead, it’s one advantage that can follow them wherever they go.
Denver’s success this season and in this series can be directly attributed to the team’s ability to avoid injury.
The only Nugget included on the injury report is Collin Gillespie (leg), who will be out for a few more weeks. His absence probably won’t have much of an impact on this game because he is a bench player at this point in the season.
- MORE NBA: Will Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and James Harden play Game 3? Injury Report 76ers – Celtics
The Suns recognize the significance of this contest, as it may determine the rest of their season.
Despite a better showing in game two, the going has been harsh for them so far in terms of results. Their lack of bench scoring has been quite concerning, and a cold spell caught up with them in their most recent game.
Although they are strong up front, their secondary scoring has suffered and cannot compete with Denver. With a 30-14 record at home this season, the Suns will be trying to repeat their success from the regular season when they went 2-0 against the Nuggets.
How they react with the writing on the wall on Friday night remains to be seen.
Kevin Durant scored 24 points (10-27 from the field, 2-12 from deep, 2-2 from the free throw line), and he added 8 boards, 3 helpers, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in Game 2.
Even by his lofty standards, Durant’s great all-around stat line wouldn’t have been considered a productive outing by 95% of the league’s players.
Due in large part to his poor shooting, Durant finished with more field goal attempts (27) than points scored (24). This was the first time this had happened to him since March 29, when he scored 16 points on 18 shots in a win over the Timberwolves.
Durant’s place as one of the Suns’ go-to offensive players shouldn’t be jeopardized by a single poor performance, but he’ll need to be much more efficient for the Suns to get back in the series once it moves to Phoenix.
Phoenix’s health is the primary worry in this game.
Chris Paul‘s (groin) early exit from game two seems to correspond with a decline in performance. As tip-off approaches, fans will be paying close attention to his condition, as it is currently unknown.
