Suns vs Nuggets Prediction 31 October 2026

The hosts have dropped two of their first three games, most recently falling to Oklahoma City (114-125). Their lone win came against Golden State (131-122), a game where they shot exceptionally well, especially from close range, dominating in the paint. However, replicating that kind of performance against the Denver Nuggets seems unlikely - there’s simply no way to fully contain Nikola Jokic. As a result, Phoenix Suns could be in for a significant downturn.

At the moment, Phoenix’s defensive capabilities look quite limited. They’re allowing over 120 points per game on average, and facing a team like Denver Nuggets, who move the ball superbly, could spell major trouble. Offensive struggles are also evident. The defeat to Portland (83-124) was particularly telling, and similar issues could arise in this matchup as well.

Denver have picked up two wins from their first four games of the season, gradually finding their rhythm. It's true that facing elite opponents still poses challenges, but against teams like New Orleans, the Nuggets haven’t faced significant issues (104-91, 141-135). It’s reasonable to expect that the visitors will look to consistently apply offensive pressure. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray form a truly formidable attacking duo, and the roster is rounded out by several reliable shooters. Despite playing at a relatively slow pace, Denver managed to hit nearly 39% from beyond the arc in their recent clash with the Pelicans.

Denver tend to tailor their approach to each opponent, and in this matchup, the visitors are likely to focus on dominating the paint. Alongside Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and several other quality big men give the Nuggets a strong interior presence. The key will be limiting their opponents in the restricted area; defending the perimeter could prove somewhat easier. Thanks to their individual quality, Denver could also have the upper hand in clutch moments.