The Golden State Warriors face off against the Phoenix Suns for just the second time this season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Warriors-Suns prediction and pick.
The Warriors currently hold an overall record of 19-17 and are 18-18 against the spread. Golden State is coming off a close loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Suns stand at 23-11 overall and 23-11 against the spread. Phoenix is coming off a big win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Warriors-Blazers odds.
NBA Odds: Warriors-Suns Odds
Golden State Warriors +11.5 (-110)
Pheonix Suns -11.5 (-110)
Over 221 (-110)
Under 221 (-110)
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Suns have a solid shot at covering even this massive 11.5-point spread because of how much of a mismatch this game is for Phoenix with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green getting the night off on the second of a back-to-back.
With the Warriors tired and down their two best players, they're going to have a tough time going up against one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Phoenix has won three games in a row to get to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The Suns are one of just two teams (the Utah Jazz are the other) to rank in the top 10 in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Devin Booker is averaging 25.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game en route to an All-Star replacement nod. It has felt like Booker has played by himself throughout his career, but now with Chris Paul in the backcourt, things are shaping up for a potential deep run in the playoffs.
Deandre Ayton has become one of the best two-way forces in the middle in the NBA. With his 14.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, this Suns team is capable of matching up against anybody.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both ruled out, it's no wonder why the Warriors are 11.5-point underdogs. The Suns completely outmatch this Golden State team. It seems Andrew Wiggins will be leading the way with an oddball cast on Thursday night.
At least Wiggins is somewhat capable of scoring, averaging 17.0 points, 2.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on the season. For the Warriors to cover the spread, they'll have to play team ball and sink their open shots when they're presented. Otherwise, the Suns will run away with this game and smother Golden State with their prominent defense.
Look for Steve Kerr to get creative during this game, as he'll attempt to find a way to slow down Devin Booker's supporting cast. The Warriors' best bet is to shut down the players around Booker and force him to essentially play by himself, a task much easier said than done.
With James Wiseman still figuring it out at the professional level, Golden State lacks an inside presence in this matchup. The Warriors will have to get hot from 3 and buckle down on defense, which is much easier said than done without Steph and Dray.
Golden State winning this game is a total long shot, but if the team plays hard and sticks to Kerr's game plan, a cover could be in the cards.
Final Warriors-Suns Prediction & Pick
The Phoenix Suns are a better team than the Golden State Warriors when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are playing, so this has the potential to get ugly without them. The Suns have too much firepower for the Warriors to keep this game all that close.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR WARRIORS-SUNS: PHX 120, GSW 107 (PHX -11.5)
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