A critical home-and-home series begins tonight in Phoenix between the Suns and streaking Nuggets, with Denver a 6.5-point betting underdog (234.5 over/under) on WagerWeb.com.
The Suns are just a half-game behind the division-leading Lakers in the Pacific and only 1.5 games out of the top spot in the West, while Denver is in a three-way tie with Dallas and Golden State for the final two playoff spots in the conference.
"Every game is important from here on out," said guard Allen Iverson. "We understand even if we got this one, we've got to concentrate on getting the next one. We're not satisfied."
Denver has won five games in a row and eight of 10, the latest a 119-112 home victory against Golden State. But the Nuggets have lost six straight games in Phoenix. Denver, which has won three in a row as the visitor, is 15-21 on the road this season.
The Nuggets have scored at least 100 points in 14 straight games(averaging 120.0) and are getting points from sources other than Carmelo Anthony (who has shot .500 or better in 10 of his last 11 games) and Iverson. Kenyon Martin, for example, had a season-high 30 against the Warriors. He is averaging 17.5 points over his last eight games, while reserve J.R. Smith has given the Nuggets 15.5 per game in that stretch.
Iverson suffered a non-displaced fracture on his right ring finger Saturday, but is expected to play tonight.The Suns have won five in a row at home, nine of 11 overall, and are 26-10 as the host this season.
Phoenix is coming off a 110-104 victory over New Jersey on Saturday, led by Amare Stoudemire's 33 points and 15 rebounds. Stoudemire has scored 30 or more in four of his last five games, averaging 31.6 points over that span.
"Amare is really our go-to guy," Shaquille O'Neal said. "He's playing fabulous. He's putting up MVP-type numbers. Everybody else is just asked to play roles and that's fine with me."
O'Neal, who initially struggled in the Suns' up-tempo system, is averaging 16.6 points and 10.0 rebounds in his last five games.
Starter Grant Hill (strained groin/sprained right wrist) is questionable for the Suns. Hill is averaging 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 64 games this season. He did not play in the win against the Nets. Plus, point guard Steve Nash has been bothered by a muscle spasm in his shoulder - but he will play.
The teams have split two meetings this year, but the Suns lit up Denver in the game in Phoenix, making made a franchise-record 20 shots from 3-point range in a 137-115 home win.
Betting trends: Denver is 40-33 ATS, Phoenix is 34-36-3. ... Denver is 42-31 vs. over/under, Phoenix is 41-32. ... Over is 8-3 in Denver's last 11 road games. ... Over is 20-8 in Denver's last 28 overall. ... Over is 10-4 in Denver's last 14 vs. Western Conference. ... Over is 9-3 in Phoenix's last 12 home games. ... Under is 10-4 in Phoenix's last 14 vs. Northwest Division teams. ... Phoenix is 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 games overall.
The last word: The over/under in this game is 25 points more than any other game on the board tonight. Yet it's still hard not to like the over.
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