The Phoenix Suns closed out their first-round series against the reigning NBA champs LA Lakers with a dominant performance in a game they led from start to finish. Now they'll take on a Denver team that has had some time to heal up from a tough six-game series against the Blazers, but I don't think the Nuggets can match the intensity of the home team here in the opener of this series.

Note that the Nuggets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest while the Suns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 playoff games as a favorite.

Denver won the last two regular-season meetings here at Suns Arena, but those games took place back in January. and the Suns are playing at a different level now.

10* play on Phoenix Suns.