Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 30, 2026

Phoenix has had a few days to prepare for Denver after Monday's 125-114 defeat at Oklahoma City. The Suns are 1-2, third in the Pacific Division, while the Nuggets sit fourth in the Northwest at 2-2 after beating New Orleans 104-91 on Wednesday. Friday's matchup is part of NBA Cup group play, and the result also counts toward the regular-season standings. The teams meet at Mortgage Matchup Center at 10:00 pm ET, with NBA League Pass carrying the game. Build your bankroll with our free NBA picks.

Denver Nuggets Looking for More Consistent Scoring

A 13-point win in New Orleans on Wednesday was just what Denver needed after losing 134-114 to Golden State two nights earlier. The Nuggets held the Pelicans to 91 points, their lowest total allowed this season. Denver had also beaten New Orleans 141-135 in overtime on Saturday, but the season began with a disappointing 96-84 defeat at Oklahoma City. The Nuggets have been much more productive at home, scoring 141 and 114 points in those games. Their two road outings have produced only 84 and 104 points.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are both averaging 22.3 points, although they've been shooting very differently. Jokic has made 41.7% of his attempts and only 21.7% from three. Murray has connected on 47.8% of his outside shots while adding 5.7 assists per game. Jokic is also collecting 9.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists, giving Denver plenty of production beyond scoring. DeMar DeRozan has contributed 15.3 points off the bench. Denver's 45.3 rebounds per contest could be particularly useful against a Phoenix team that has struggled on the glass.

Injuries: Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther are out. Cameron Johnson and Alpha Diallo are questionable.

Phoenix Suns Hoping to Improve at Home

There's been no shortage of points scored against Phoenix so far. Portland put up 124 in the Suns' opener, Oklahoma City scored 125 on Monday, and even Golden State reached 122 in a losing effort Saturday. Phoenix won that game 131-122, its only victory in three appearances. The Suns have averaged 109 points themselves, although the 83-point performance in Portland dragged that number down considerably. Friday brings their second home game, where another performance like the one against Golden State would give Denver plenty to think about.

Devin Booker has been Phoenix's most dependable scorer, putting up 22.7 points per game and making 55.6% of his shots. He's also averaging 5.3 assists. Dillon Brooks has contributed 14.7 points, although he's connecting on only 37.8% of his attempts. Jalen Green is scoring 14 points per outing, while Khaman Maluach has provided 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Phoenix is giving up 123.7 points per game and collecting just 39.7 rebounds. That's a difficult combination against a Denver team with Jokic controlling so much of the action inside.

Injuries: Mark Williams is out. Oso Ighodaro is questionable.

Key To The Game

Denver should have opportunities inside against a Phoenix team allowing 123.7 points per contest. Jokic is the obvious player to watch, especially with the Nuggets holding a rebounding advantage of nearly six boards per game. Phoenix needs Booker to create scoring chances, but the Suns cannot depend entirely on him. Denver has also struggled with its shooting away from home, so Murray's outside accuracy could matter. If the Nuggets control the glass and limit second chances, Phoenix could have trouble keeping up.

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Game Pick

• Denver Nuggets

Phoenix has been giving up far too many points, and Denver has the players to take advantage. Jokic offers a difficult matchup inside, while Murray has been shooting well from three. The Nuggets haven't been consistent themselves, but Wednesday's win at New Orleans showed they can produce a much better defensive performance. Booker could keep Phoenix competitive, particularly at home, although the Suns haven't shown they can stop opponents regularly. Denver's rebounding advantage also stands out. I'm taking the Nuggets to win on the road.

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Over/Under Pick

• Over

Phoenix has allowed 124, 122 and 125 points in its three games. Those numbers are difficult to ignore, especially with Jokic and Murray coming to town. Denver has already scored 141 against New Orleans, although its other games haven't been nearly as productive. The Suns can contribute offensively, having scored 131 against Golden State and 114 at Oklahoma City. Booker has been shooting well, and Denver allowed 134 against the Warriors earlier this week. I expect both teams to find scoring opportunities, making the over my pick.