LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Denver may be the National Basketball Association Western Conference top seed, but Nuggets star Nikola Jokic said their second-round playoff opponents Phoenix pose a massive challenge.

"I mean, probably, they are the favorites to win the championship," Jokic said after the Nuggets completed a five-game first-round series victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 112-109 win.

"They have an amazing, amazing group of guys. Well-coached. There is Chris Paul, who is probably the best floor manager, floor general in the game."

"(Devin) Booker, (Kevin Durant) — superstars, arguably the best players in the NBA right now," he added, also giving a nod to Deandre Ayton as a player he admires.

Jokic, the two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, denied that the series carries an extra edge after the Suns swept the Nuggets in the conference semi-finals in 2021.

"Nah," was all he said when asked.

The Nuggets have homecourt advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs — a potentially big boost for a team that is 37-7 at home through the regular season and first round of the playoffs.

Their depth could also prove key against a Phoenix team whose bench has been suspect.

'I mean, probably, they are the favorites to win the championship.'

Denver's bench outscored Minnesota's, 103-94, over five games, while the Suns have been reliant on their stars after losing key role players in the trade that brought Durant from Brooklyn in February.

Booker scored 47 points and Durant poured in 31 in the Suns' series-clinching Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Still, Jokic said the Nuggets must expect a battle from whoever is on the floor for Phoenix.

"Whoever steps on the floor for them, knows their role," the Serbian star said. "It's going to be a big challenge for us."