Nuggets-Suns betting preview: Phoenix too good to fade in Game 2

There's only one game on Wednesday's NBA slate, but it's a good one, as the Nuggets try to even their second-round series against the Suns after a blowout loss in Game 1. Here's how we're betting the contest:

Nuggets @ Suns (-5.5, 223)

As we predicted in our series preview, the Suns made clear from the very start why they're the superior team in this matchup, blasting the Nuggets by 17 points in an off night for Nikola Jokic. Conversely, Chris Paul (21 points, 11 assists) torched Denver's subpar backcourt to quiet concerns over his injured shoulder.

The Nuggets can't survive that type of night from Jokic or Paul in this series, and their Game 1 showing doesn't bode well for an encore. Playoff teams that lose Game 1 by 15 points or more are 23-56 straight up (29.1%) since 2003 with an average scoring margin of minus-7.01 points.

Phoenix has gone 27-14-1 against the spread this season against teams that boast a winning record at tipoff, and it's won four straight in that spot. The Suns are the better team with more momentum, too, so don't be afraid to lay the number here.

If you're looking for a play on the total, try the over. The Nuggets have cashed the over in seven of eight postseason games. That includes Monday's contest despite Denver posting its second-lowest point total since the playoffs began. If Jokic can improve his efficiency in Game 2, it'll be hard for this tilt not to outpace Game 1.

Pick: Suns -5.5, over 223

C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at [email protected].