Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) Under 12.5 Assists (-312)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Denver Nuggets take on the Phoenix Suns, all eyes will be on Nikola Jokic, but not for the reasons you might think. While he's often a triple-double threat, the numbers suggest a different trajectory for this matchup. Jokic has averaged just 10.6 assists on the road recently, and his performance against the Suns has been even less impressive, dropping down to 9.8 assists in their past away games. The Suns' defense has proven to be a tough nut to crack, especially for playmakers like Jokic. With an expected assist total of about 9.35, it's clear that hitting the over on 12.5 could be a stretch. When you factor in the Nuggets' overall dynamics and Jokic's recent trends, a conservative approach feels more appropriate. Placing a bet on his assists to stay under 12.5 seems wise, as the stats are backing up this narrative convincingly.

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) Under 26.5 Rebounds + Assists (-263)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Denver Nuggets face off against the Phoenix Suns, all eyes will be on Nikola Jokic, but perhaps not for the reasons you might think. With a prop line set at 26.5 for combined rebounds and assists, this could be a tempting number to challenge. Despite his incredible talent, Jokic's recent form suggests he might fall short. In his last five away games, he averaged just 10.6 assists, a notable dip from his usual brilliance. Against the Suns, a team that can effectively limit his impact, he's averaged 9.8 assists and only 10 rebounds in their last encounters on the road. With a recent hit rate of just 75% on similar lines, it's clear that the pressure of playing away combined with Phoenix's defensive schemes could keep Jokic under that 26.5 mark. Betting the under may just be the savvy play here.

Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns) Under 6.5 Rebounds (-500)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

Khaman Maluach has been a reliable contributor for the Phoenix Suns, but when it comes to rebounding, expectations should be tempered. With a home average of just 5.2 rebounds over his last five games, he's consistently falling short of the 6.5 mark. Even more telling is his recent performance against the Denver Nuggets, where he managed only one rebound in their last five encounters-a concerning trend given the Nuggets' size and physicality. With a hit rate of 7 out of his last 8 games going under this line, it's clear that he's not just struggling; he's being contained effectively. Plus, the Suns have a strong home record, and with the pressure of the game, it's likely we'll see him focusing on other aspects of his game rather than crashing the boards. All signs point to taking the under on Maluach's rebounds in this matchup.

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