The Phoenix Suns (1-1) face off against the Denver Nuggets (0-1) in a Western Conference clash at Ball Arena, where the high-altitude environment could amplify Denver's home-court advantage. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic and coming off a 137-131 overtime loss to the Warriors, aim to exploit a depleted Suns squad that's missing key scoring from Jalen Green and struggled in a recent 129-102 blowout defeat to the Clippers. This matchup could turn into a high-scoring affair if Phoenix's remaining stars like Devin Booker step up, but Denver's depth and recent standout performances from Aaron Gordon position them as heavy favorites.

 

 

 

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets Total and Spread

  • Total: 233.5
  • Spread: DEN -13.5

 

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets Injury Updates

 

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineups

Phoenix Suns: 

Denver Nuggets:

 

 

 

DFS Captain / MVP Picks

Nikola Jokic, DEN

(DK CPT $19,500, UTIL $13,000 | FD MVP $26,100, UTIL $17,400, FD FPPG: 55.6)

As the undisputed top option in this slate, Jokic is a lock for massive production against a Suns frontcourt featuring Mark Williams and lacking depth. His triple-double potential shines in home games, and with Denver favored heavily, he could rack up stats across the board in what might be a blowout scenario. Even in the Nuggets' opening loss, Jokic's all-around game keeps his floor high, expect 50+ DK/FD points easily

 

Aaron Gordon, DEN

(DK CPT $12,300, UTIL $8,200 | FD MVP $13,800, UTIL $9,200, FD FPPG: 63.6)

Fresh off an incredible performance where he hit 10 three-pointers and scored 50 points in the overtime loss to Golden State , Gordon's athleticism and versatility make him a prime Captain/MVP pivot if you're fading Jokic. He thrives in transition and against mismatched Suns forwards like Dunn, potentially delivering another ceiling game with rebounds, assists, and efficient scoring. His elevated average reflects recent dominance, making him ideal for GPP upside.

 

Devin Booker, PHX

(DK CPT $15,900, UTIL $10,600 | FD MVP $20,400, UTIL $13,600, FD FPPG: 33.8)

With Green sidelined, Booker becomes Phoenix's offensive focal point, as seen in his 18 points and seven assists against the Clippers. His scoring volume (averaging 24.5 points through two games) and playmaking make him a viable Captain/MVP in contrarian builds, especially if the Suns keep it close early and he sees 35+ minutes, projecting for 40-50 fantasy points across platforms.

 

 

 

DFS Utility Picks

Jamal Murray, DEN

(DK CPT $12,900, UTIL $8,600 | FD MVP $18,600, UTIL $12,400, FD FPPG: 49.6)

Murray's 25 points and 10 assists in the opener highlight his role as Denver's key facilitator alongside Jokic, and he should thrive against a Suns backcourt without Green. His scoring volume and three-point shooting make him a balanced utility choice for cash games, with a high floor in the 40+ fantasy point range on both sites.

 

Dillon Brooks, PHX

(DK CPT $9,600, UTIL $6,400 | FD MVP $9,900, UTIL $6,600, FD FPPG: 34.0)

Brooks paced the Suns with 21 points in their loss to the Clippers and offers defensive stats like steals alongside efficient scoring. As a starter, his multi-category contributions at this mid-range price make him a reliable utility option on both platforms, projecting for 25-35 fantasy points against Denver's wings.

 

Grayson Allen, PHX

(DK CPT $10,500, UTIL $7,000 | FD MVP $9,000, UTIL $6,000, FD FPPG: 30.1)

Stepping into a larger role with Green out, Allen's sharpshooting and peripheral stats fit well in Phoenix's offense. His consistent three-point volume and rebounding provide value as a utility filler, especially for builds needing 25-30 fantasy points without breaking the bank.

 

Christian Braun, DEN

(DK CPT $10,200, UTIL $6,800 | FD MVP $12,000, UTIL $8,000, FD FPPG: 11.8)

As Denver's starting shooting guard, Braun brings defensive energy and transition scoring to the table, which could pay off in a home game against Phoenix. Despite a modest opener, his role in the rotation provides a floor for steals and rebounds, making him a solid utility option at this price point for 20-30 fantasy points.

 

 

 

DFS Dart Throws

  • Royce O'Neale (DK CPT $7,500, UTIL $5,000 | FD MVP $7,500, UTIL $5,000, FD FPPG: 23.6): Versatile bench forward who could see extra minutes in a potential blowout; strong for steals, threes, and rebounds at low ownership.
  • Cameron Johnson (DK CPT $10,800, UTIL $7,200 | FD MVP $11,700, UTIL $7,800, FD FPPG: 13.6): Starting forward for Denver with three-point shooting upside; value if he rebounds from a low opener and exploits Suns mismatches.
  • Ryan Dunn (DK CPT $7,200, UTIL $4,800 | FD MVP $8,100, UTIL $5,400, FD FPPG: 24.3): Starting rookie with defensive upside; cheap exposure to blocks and boards against Denver's frontcourt.
  • Jonas Valanciunas (DK CPT $6,900, UTIL $4,600 | FD MVP $4,200, UTIL $2,800, FD FPPG: 17.6): Backup center with rebounding potential if Jokic rests; value play for double-double upside in limited minutes.
  • Oso Ighodaro (DK CPT $4,800, UTIL $3,200 | FD MVP $4,800, UTIL $3,200, FD FPPG: 14.5): Low-salary second-year center at bargain price; upside for boards and blocks if he rotates in behind Williams.

 

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