Only the Phoenix Suns can make a 10-game winning streak feel like nothing. Having strung together 18-straight dubs earlier this year, the team’s current run cannot help but seem a bit less exciting than it normally might be.
But with the Brooklyn Nets coming to town—the presumed favorites in the East—tonight’s game becomes extra intriguing, as it not only allows the Suns a chance to extend their streak, but also a preview at one possible NBA Finals opponent.
During their last contest, the Suns took down the Nets in a game of runs that saw Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combine for 69 points. This time around though, Brooklyn will look far different, possibly playing only with Kyrie Irving—the only player from their “big three” absent last time out.
Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns come into this one favored by a -6.5 point spread. Their moneyline odds are at -255, and the game’s over/under currently sits at 229.5 points.
With Phoenix having won their previous matchup against Brooklyn and with the Nets again now set to play without the Slim Reaper, it makes sense for the Suns to attain this nod from Vegas.
Additionally, the Suns will get back Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder tonight, re-assembling their starting five. For the Nets, even if Harden does play, they will also miss starter Joe Harris and sixth man LaMarcus Aldridge beside Durant. This game is easy pickings for Phoenix, and Vegas knows that.
Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets Lineups
The Suns did well to win games without their key guys, and now with them all coming back, they hold a colossal advantage over the injury-riddled Nets.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
Brooklyn looked dreadful last week without Durant, having lost four straight games coming into this one. That might pressure James Harden to suit up for this one tonight despite a wrist injury which caused him to miss his last two games. Doing so would make this a box-office level backcourt matchup.
- PG: James Harden
- SG: Kyrie Irving
- SF: DeAndre’ Bembry
- PF: Kessler Edwards
- C: Nicolas Claxton
Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction
With the Nets missing their key pieces, they have gone in a complete opposite direction as Phoenix. That might speak more to the greatness of Kevin Durant more than anything else, but that is neither here nor there.
Phoenix just looks like the far more put together unit right now, and should win this matchup thanks to their superior depth at home. Behind Harden and Irving, the Nets possess no real difference makers other than Patty Mills. The Suns are essentially at full strength though—the greatest advantage in all of sports.
Steve Nash also blew Brooklyn’s previous game vs Golden State by neglecting to use his challenge down the stretch. For as much as we all love Nash in Phoenix, his time at the helm for the Nets has been filled with questionable decisions and rotations. With that, I expect Monty Williams to coach circles around him en route to victory.
Final: Phoenix Suns 117, Brooklyn Nets 101
Phoenix Suns Up Next
Phoenix will aim to keep it going against Eastern Conference teams this year, traveling next to go face Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. These two teams played several months ago, where the Suns went on to win by just four points.
Despite their inconsistencies, the Hawks still resemble a team with abundant talent and a scary high ceiling. Fans should expect a shootout in this pending contest, with both teams ranking top three in offensive efficiency.