Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns

Spread: PHX -1

O/U: 220

Injuries

Denver 

Michael Porter Jr. - IN

Phoenix 

Dario Saric - OUT

Jalen Smith - IN

Denver: 9th vs. PG / 28th vs. SG / 23rd vs. SF / 2nd vs. PF / 2nd vs. C

Phoenix: 2nd vs. PG / 13th vs. SG / 1st vs. SF / 9th vs. PF / 11th vs. C

MVP/CPT

Nikola Jokic , C DEN

We know nobody else in this game possesses the type of upside Jokic does. He is averaging a triple-double this year and it shouldn’t bother us at all that Michael Porter Jr. is back because when the two have been on the floor together Jokic has averaged 1.63 FP/min along with a 28.4% USG rate. Jokic fell one rebound shy of a triple-double against PHX earlier in the year oh by the way.

Devin Booker , SG PHX

There are two spots that stand out on the PHX side and it’s at SG and SF considering Denver ranks 23rd or worse at those two positions in terms of DvP. They rank 28th at SG and that’s where Booker resides. Although he’s been subpar this year from a fantasy perspective, he still carries a 29.9% USG rate and averages .98 FP/min as well. 

Jamal Murray , PG DEN

Talk about the perfect showdown player. You strap in for the rollercoaster ride every time we try taking Murray for a spin and you get something different each time. Murray has GPP winning upside because when he’s hitting his shots he turns into a created player on 2K playing on easy mode, which is why he fits like a glove as a captain. He scored 31 actual and 48 DK points against PHX earlier this year if you want a sneak peak on what he can do any given night.

Mid-Tier

Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF DEN

We don’t know much about the return of Porter and if there will be any limitations, but it’s worth taking a shot on. Porter Jr. is an elite offensive talent that we last saw playing 40 minutes while putting up 30 point double-double, good for 50 FP. If he’s not going to be be limited at all, it’s a spot I’m willing to attack and take a shot on on a smaller slate such as the late slate or a showdown.

Mikal Bridges , SF PHX

I mentioned when talking about Devin Booker that small-forwards were a position that gave Denver problems and that’s where Bridges fits in. Bridges has been really good this year flashing a solid floor/ceiling combination for the way he’s priced. DEN ranks 22nd against SF and that’s with only four games of Michael Porter Jr. there as he is a dreadful defender. One Bridges can take serious advantage of.

Paul Millsap , PF/C DEN

I mean, if we’re going to start seeing MIllsap play mid-20’s minutes, there is some appeal. He got 26 his last time out and promptly put up 13 points and 12 rebounds on his way to a double-double. With the Suns electing to start Cam Johnson over Jae Crowder these days, Millsap’s life on offense is a little easier while JaMychal Green has to deal with Crowder defense. Millsap has gone for 30+ FP in 2-of-3 and is interesting here.

Value Tier

Jae Crowder , SF/PF PHX

Despite the fact that he’s not starting, Crowder has still been seeing 26+ minutes a night off the bench. He put up 23.75 FP last time out and has put up 23+ in 2-of-4 and 3-of-6 overall. It’s a risky play because the floor has been low of late, but we know he’s going to see plenty of run to return and exceed value.

Monte Morris , PG DEN

The backup point-guard minutes as well as some backup shooting-guard run for Morris is very secure right now as he ranges from 21-32 on a given night. Obviously we’d like the latter, but he doesn’t need a lot of time to get going like we saw against OKC last time out putting up 27.5 DKP in 21 minutes. Morris has a respectable .84 FP/min average this season coming off the bench.

Cameron Payne , PG PHX

Like Morris above him, Payne doesn’t need a lot of time to get cookin’. He’s not a must, but he’s a way to save some salary to get some of the higher priced guys like Jokic, Booker, Murray, Ayton, etc. Twice over his last four games -- not given more than 18 minutes -- he’s put up 22+ DKP. What more can you ask for from a game who’s 3.6K and playing behind Chris Paul ?