Nikola Jokic doesn’t take many threes, but when he does, he makes them. He’ll splash two on Christmas.
Photo By – Imagn Images. Pictured: Nikola Jokic.
The Denver Nuggets will head to the desert tonight to face the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, which will be the final game on the NBA Christmas slate. Tip-off is at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
My Nuggets vs. Suns predictions expect Nikola Jokic to find his touch from downtown against Phoenix.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, December 25.
My best bet
Nikola Jokic Over 1.5 threes (-170 at bet365)
My analysis
Who can stop The Joker? The answer is pretty much nobody.
Nikola Jokic is one of the most dominant players in the Association and looks to be well on his way to another MVP award, averaging 30.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. Oh, and he’s also shooting 51.4% from 3-point land. Yes, you read that right.
Jokic doesn’t take a ton of triples each game, but his efficiency is ridiculous. He’s averaging 2.3 makes on 4.5 tries per night, which is actually a career-high. The Serb’s ability to make it rain from beyond the arc has added another deadly element to his game.
The big man has hit the Over in treys in five of his last six appearances, going 4-for-6 from deep on Monday evening against the Phoenix Suns, who are Denver’s opponent on Christmas. Over the last month and a half, it’s rare Jokic stays Under 1.5 triples converted, too.
I know the odds are a bit steep here, but all signs point to Jokic sinking a minimum of two three pointers on Wednesday.
Kevin Durant has been the main man for the Suns this season, averaging 27.1 points on 42% shooting from deep. His co-star, Devin Booker, has missed the last couple of games with groin soreness and could likely sit out on Christmas, too.
KD has done his part with Book out, scoring 43 and 23 across his last two. But, his total is quite high here, considering Durant did hit the Under against the Nuggets in that last contest on Monday.
In fact, he’s only cashed the Over in points twice in his last 10 appearances. I’m not saying KD won’t contribute, but he’ll stay Under 31 points on Wednesday.
Not only will Jokic find his stroke from long range, but he’ll also torch the Suns. The Joker had 32 in a win over the Suns on Monday and has been scoring the basketball at a consistent level as of late. He’s hit the Over in points in two of the last three contests.
We’ve seen the Serbian rise to the occasion many times when the lights shine brightest.
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Odds courtesy of bet365.
The Suns have hit the game total Under in 27 of their last 41 games at home (+12.70 Units / 28% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Suns.
Location: | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ |
Date: | Wednesday, 12-25-2024 |
Tip-off: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
TV: | ESPN |
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