NBA DFS Fast Break: Playbook Core Plays - June 9th

Denver Nuggets-Phoenix Suns

Over/Under: 223.5

Spread: PHX -5.5

Game 2

Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals on the NBA Playoffs be saw an even match up in the first half between the Nuggets and the Suns, but then, the brightness of the Suns offense just became too much for the Nuggets in the 2nd half. The Suns shot 54.1 percent from the floor for the game making them simply too hot to handle. They outscored Denver 65-47 in the 2nd half. There are a couple of question marks on the Denver side surrounding players in this game. They’ve had to deal with a lot of injuries throughout the year. No Jamal Murray, PJ Dozier is still out and they are holding out hope that Will Barton makes it back to the court for this game. It will be tough for the Nuggets to beat the Suns if another player goes down.

Injuries:

*Michael Porter Jr. - Questionable

*Will Barton – Questionable

*PJ Dozier - Out

Player Breakdown:

Nikola Jokic – If Denver is going to survive this series, the NBA MVP Jokic will have to score at least 30 points in every game and it’s very possible. He’s taken at least 22 shots in his last 3 games. Don’t sleep on Phoenix’s defense and if Jokic is not going to use his size to post up and go one-on-one instead with no other player on his team moving, the Suns will be able to halt any momentum he has when he attempts to drive to the basket. He hasn’t secured double-digit boards as consistently, but continues to attempt to make up for it in steals and blocks. He’s blocked three or more shots in two of his last three contests. Jokic saw a lot of success passing the ball last series and the Nuggets have to cut to the basket more to take the Suns out of their comfort zone. Hoping to see a quicker Jokic tonight to keep the Suns on their toes. Every second during a possession is an eternity and upon getting the ball, he shouldn’t hesitate and just drive right to the basket and at least draw contact. He took zero free throws after taking eight the previous two games. 

Chris Paul – I don’t want to hear anymore about Paul’s Shoulder. He’s healthy. He looks healthy and playing as such and unless he obviously re-injures that Shoulder, no excuses. He’s taken 12 or more shots in his last 2 games and even seeing him play 36 minutes is encouraging. He’s a must-play. Who’s going to stop him? Not Facundo Campazzo and Monte Morris. A lot of that defensive spotlight is going to Devin Booker and I expect Paul to continue seeing higher-percentage shots between the two. Paul shot 57.1 percent from the floor and he’s even dished 11 or more dimes in his last 2 games. Expect him to grab at least five boards in this contest as the Nuggets guards are very weak. Will Barton, as noted above, could be looking at a return but he will likely be limited if he does. He adds to the Nuggets defense. Speaking of defense, Paul grabbed 1.4 steals per game during the season as well. 

Deandre Ayton – After having two quiet games to end the Lakers series, Ayton posted a double-double in the first game of this series. Ayton was able to have his way in the post on Nikola Jokic all day. If the Suns keep the ball moving quickly and Jokic steps up on the lane-driver, Ayton should be open under the basket frequently. He took 13 shots last game and his 9 of them. It will be hard to limit Jokic on the other side of the court, but Ayton is their best bet size-wise to do so. Jusuf Nurkic did record four games in which he grabbed double-digit boards and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ayton post another double-double. 

Michael Porter Jr. – Not only is Porter dealing with a bad Back, but the Suns were able to limit him last game. Porter takes some horrible shots. If you notice, when he has a hand in his face, he’ll often alter his shot and it leads to lower-percentage shots that are way off-balanced. Porter’s a solid driver, but he’s questionable and a sore Back could limit his mobility. He scored 15 points in 31 minutes last game. From a fantasy perspective, playing him is a huge a risk. Let’s not forget how great of defenders Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder are. It will be hard playing him with confidence tonight. 

Aaron Gordon – A banged up Porter could lead to more shot attempts for Aaron Gordon. He’s shot 50 percent or better from the floor in each of his last 3 games. He only grabbed four rebounds last game, but Gordon may be needed to play more on the low block due to Porter’s health. The Nuggets do have JaMychal Green and Paul Millsap, but they will be used more as bailout shooting options and Gordon has the ability to create with the ball and drive the lane. Gordon showed last game that he does have the ability to produce inside the arc after not hitting a three-pointer last game and still winding up with 18 points. Expect more post-play from him tonight.

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