The Denver Nuggets play host to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in a Game 5 Western Conference showdown from Ball Arena.
Injury Update for Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns
After dominating the first two games and appearing to be on their way to the Western Conference finals, the Suns fought back to win a pair in Arizona over the weekend, laying the groundwork for a fantastic series finale.
Denver is 4-0 in four meetings between the two at Ball Arena, and if games one and two were any indication, another win will be predicted in this one.
The Nuggets may be coming off a two-game losing streak, but there’s little doubt they’ll be feeling confident in their return to Ball Arena. The Suns may struggle, but they have the talent to keep things intriguing.
This season, Denver has a 39-7 home record, which is one of the best in the NBA. The home fans was instrumental in propelling them forward in the first two games of the series, and their depth was on full display.
They relied heavily on their superstars in the last two games, which departed from what has worked for them in their wins this season.
Fans can expect Denver to cruise again in game five, especially given how they’ve performed at home this season, albeit the pressure is mounting.
Expect Denver’s offense to continue to dominate at home on Tuesday night, led by Nikola Jokic (30.8 ppg).
The two-time MVP is coming off a game in which he scored more than 50 points, and he has been a mismatch nightmare throughout the series.
With Jamal Murray (26.7 ppg) and three other players averaging in double figures, the Nuggets have plenty of scoring alternatives.
Denver has done an excellent job of staying healthy this season, so it’s not surprising that they’ve been able to rely on their consistency and depth.
Collin Gillespie (leg) is out until the middle of the month, but as a guard who spent much of the season towards the end of the bench, he shouldn’t be missed much in this one.
After a pair of games that had many believing the Suns were on their approach to being swept, Phoenix has found itself right back in the center of this series.
At 2-2, anything can happen over the next few games, but they’ll need to turn things around on the road if they want to advance to the next round.
This club has struggled on the road this season, with a 19-26 record. Adding in the fact that they’re heading to a place where they’re winless on the season, it’s possible that their confidence and momentum will be reset.
Despite winning two games at home, doubts remain, especially given how much reliance has been placed on their superstars to bear the weight.
A more balanced scoring approach, as well as a far more level-headed effort on the road, will be required in this one.
In Game 4, Kevin Durant had 36 points (11-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 12-13 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, one block, and two steals.
Durant had his highest scoring total of the playoffs and his third double-double of the postseason in Game 4.
Although the Nuggets were well aware that Durant and Devin Booker would try to recreate their performance from Game 3, they had no answer for Durant.
The All-Star also made 12 of his 13 free throw tries, adding to his 14 points from the line in Game 3.
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The Suns are still missing one of their studs in this one, which might have an effect in this away game.
Chris Paul (groin) is still sidelined, and it’s evident that the Phoenix will miss his enthusiasm and experience on both sides of the court during this series.
