Phoenix Suns Game Tonight vs San Antonio Spurs Odds, Prediction

Although most Valley sports fans are more likely to watch the Arizona Cardinals in their playoff bout with the Los Angeles Rams tonight, the Phoenix Suns will simultaneously do battle with the San Antonio Spurs for the third time this year and partake in the NBA’s rich MLK Day tradition.

With this game coming as a latter part of a back-to-back sequence for Phoenix and their third contest in four days, they get a well-deserved three days rest right after it. The Spurs enter this game a bit fresher though, having last played Saturday evening in a winning effort vs the Los Angeles Clippers.

Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs Odds, Moneyline, Prediction

According to WynnBET, the Suns clock in as -4.5 point favorites over their longtime rivals. Their moneyline odds sit at -200, and the game’s over/under is currently at 226.5 points.

Phoenix represents a true title contender, while the Spurs will likely pray for the lottery gods to bless them this summer. With that said, they stand little to no chance against the Suns, even on their home floor and with Deandre Ayton likely unavailable.

However, Ayton’s expected absence due to a rolled ankle last game likely stands responsible for this spread being less than two possessions. The last two times these squads faced off, the Suns only won by four points as well, which also likely factors in. But even so, the spread still feels a bit generous for the Spurs, who remain 17.5 games behind Phoenix right now.

This game does feature two offenses ranking top five in points per game in the Western Conference, so this high over/under mark feels a bit more validated. Expect a shootout in the Lone Star state.

Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs Lineups

The Suns played several games earlier this year without Ayton’s services, simply asking JaVale McGee to take his place as a starter. Jalen Smith will likely take some increased minutes at center this time around, but watch for McGee to once again work as Phoenix’s primary anchor.

• PG: Chris Paul
• SG: Devin Booker
• SF: Mikal Bridges
• PF: Jae Crowder
• C: JaVale McGee

San Antonio’s injury report looks far less extensive than Phoenix’s with Tre Jones as the only player listed on it. With that, expect to see their normal starting five take the floor.

• PG: Dejounte Murray
• SG: Devin Vassell
• SF: Keldon Johnson
• PF: Doug McDermott
• C: Jakob Poeltl

Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction

Although the Spurs still score quite handsomely each night out, their percentages all duck toward the NBA’s middle ground, ranking 12th in both field goal and 3-point percentage. Instead, it’s San Antonio’s offensive rebounding that helps them rack up points, averaging the fifth most at 11.1 per game.

Put simply, the Spurs excel off hustle rather than skill, even with Dejounte Murray‘s talents this year well considered. Additional stats away from the ball also support this notion, with the Spurs ranking top-10 in shots contested, loose balls recovered, deflections, and charges drawn per game.

But luckily for Phoenix, Monty Williams coached teams almost always play with some grit as well. We see it night in and night out, especially from players like Chris Paul and Devin Booker, who sacrifice their bodies on both ends of the floor for the team’s betterment.

So with their combative toughness, Phoenix wins tonight and covers their spread. The Spurs will hang around longer than casuals might expect, but eventually fall behind double-digits.

Final: Phoenix Suns 114, San Antonio Spurs 103

Phoenix Suns Up Next

Following this game and Phoenix’s three-day hiatus, the Valley Boys continue their road trip with a visit to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs currently sit tight at the five spot in the West. They just took down a streaking Memphis Grizzlies team, and more recently welcomed back Kristaps Porzingis from injury.

With the Suns having stolen two straight games against the Mavericks already this year,  and with one even coming in near-buzzer beating fashion, expect them to come out with some extra aggression as they seek their revenge.