Phoenix Suns v Golden State Warriors – Odds, Lineups and Prediction

Coming off their most complete performance in quite some time, the Phoenix Suns face another major challenge when they host the NBA champion Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center on Tuesday.

The Suns are coming off a dominant win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, while the Warriors withstood a late charge from the Sacramento Kings to join Phoenix with a 2-1 record.

Western Conference heavyweights the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors will meet in one of the most highly anticipated clashes of the new season.

Fanduel Sportsbook Odds

Phoenix Suns (-136), Golden State Warriors (+116)

Spread Line: 2.5

Over/Under Total Points: 225

*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Expected Starting Lineups

Phoenix Suns: Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Deandre Ayton

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney

Injury Report

Phoenix Suns: Ish Wainright (out), Jae Crowder (not with team)

Patrick Baldwin Jr., Andre Iguodala, Donte DiVincenzo, Ryan Rollins, Anthony Lamb (out)

Cameron Johnson stated he’s still sore following an early season injury issue, but he’s not on the injury report and looked good in the win over the Clippers. It’s also worth noting that Warriors veterans Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are currently on minutes restrictions as they work into their season.

Key Matchup – The Bench Battle

At this point, given their respective starts to the season, you can almost cancel Devin Booker and Stephen Curry out as guaranteed 25+ point performers. The more under-the-radar, but just as important battle, might come down to each team’s bench unit.

Much has been made of the Suns lack of depth, however they performed well in the balanced win over the Clippers. On the other hand, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was left frustrated at having to bring back his starters against the Kings after the bench squandered a 25-point lead.

Both teams benches have a negative plus-minus at this stage, with Golden State holding the second-worst in the league at -10. It’s important to acknowledge they’ve been using their first and second units almost exclusively (like Phoenix did in opening two games of preseason), but that may change with the absence of DiVincenzo.

Prediction

This is a genuine toss up — both teams came into the season with some controversy, and they’ve each looked pretty similar through three games. Phoenix hold slight favoritism due to home-court advantage, and they also hold a more settled rotation at this point of the season. This sort of early game may mean more to the Suns who are trying to re-establish their stature, rather than the Warriors who are looking to develop their young talent.

Final Score: Suns win 112-110