Thank you sir may I have another? Just two days after the Phoenix Suns triumphantly took down the Golden State Warriors, the NBA cinematic universe already has a sequel in the works, with the Valley Boys traveling out to the bay area tonight.
With their previous win over Golden State, and then last night’s victory against the Detroit Pistons, the Suns extended their winning streak to a franchise best 18 straight games. But more importantly, they took sole possession over the Western Conference’s top spot.
Winning again this evening allows them to maintain their positioning, and even with it being only December, that still holds some importance as far as bragging rights go.
Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns are the underdogs tonight, given a +7 point spread. Their moneyline odds are +240, and the over/under currently sits at 216.0 points.
Devin Booker‘s absence for this game tilts things Golden State’s way more than anything. Even though Phoenix played without him during the second half on Tuesday, they struggled last night without him, barely knocking off the lowly Detroit Pistons.
Tonight’s game also comes as a road matchup for the Suns unlike last time, and resembles the latter portion of a back-to-back sequence. Both those factors carry significant weight.
With all that considered, the seven point spread feels validated, and even a bit generous for Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Lineups
Booker’s hamstring injury means more shuffling with their starting lineup. Last night, the Suns started Landry Shamet in place, but they also started their second half against the Warriors a few days ago with Cameron Johnson down low and Mikal Bridges slotted up.
Shamet looked sharp against Detroit, but their lineup with Johnson also played well against Golden State, especially at the defensive end. Monty likely runs both Shamet and Johnson with the original starting five at different times tonight, but with the Tuesday game’s results considered, it makes more sense for him to start Johnson.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Mikal Bridges
- SF: Cameron Johnson
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
Klay Thompson seems to be close, but not there quite yet. With that, expect Steve Kerr to copy his lineup card from Tuesday night over onto this one’s.
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Jordan Poole
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Draymond Green
- C: Kevon Looney
Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Prediction
All streaks need to end at some point, and for the Suns, their legendary run meets its end tonight. With the Warriors well-rested, the Suns without their star, and on the road, too many variables are working in Golden State’s favor.
Phoenix also bottled up MVP-frontrunner Steph Curry exceptionally well on Tuesday. Given Curry’s scoring abilities though, you have to expect him to bounce back with this second game. The Suns fail to cover their seven point spread, likely sticking with the Warriors early on, but falling out once their fatigue sets in.
Final: Phoenix Suns 90, Golden State Warriors 102
Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors TV Channel
Beside the general excitement which comes when two title contenders face off, the fact that ESPN just chose to televise it rather than the Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers game is the best thing about this contest.
Fans can promptly enjoy tonight’s bout on national television without the world trying to shove the Lake Show down their throats for once. It tips off at 8:00 p.m. MST, at Golden State’s Chase Center.
Phoenix Suns Up Next
After this rematch with the Warriors, Phoenix takes on the San Antonio Spurs back at home. They get a much needed rest beforehand though, with that game scheduled on Monday night.
Despite their less impressive .350 winning percentage this year, the Spurs made the Suns sweat earlier this year, with Phoenix beating them by only four points. Watch for them to bounce back with a more dominant victory.