It’s desperation time for the Phoenix Suns, who have lost nine of their last 10 games and are struggling mightily with Devin Booker (groin) out of the lineup.
On the bright side, Phoenix could get point guard Chris Paul back in action on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have also been struggling, but Phoenix’s issues go much deeper, with the team going just 3-13 without Booker this season.
Monty Williams said “we’ll see” in regards to Chris Paul for tomorrow, but he did go through a full practice today. He also said Josh Okogie took a hit that “unfortunately made his nose as big as mine.” We’ll see on his status as well. Devin Booker still has “more boxes to check”
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 18, 2023
The Nets have not won a game since Kevin Durant went down with a knee injury, but they will have Kyrie Irving back in the lineup for tonight’s matchup.
Nets say Kyrie Irving (right calf soreness) is PROBABLE vs. Suns.
— Chris Milholen (@ChrisMilholen) January 18, 2023
Durant (right knee - MCL sprain) - OUT
Duke Jr. (G League - two-way) - OUT
Edwards (G League assignment) - OUT
Smith (G League - two-way) - OUT
Brooklyn’s had some bad losses without KD, including Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, who have the worst net rating in the NBA.
Does Brooklyn bounce back on the road or will the Suns finally get back in the win column?
Here are the odds and my best bet for Thursday’s primetime showdown:
Nets vs. Suns odds, spread and total
Nets vs. Suns prediction and pick
I don’t feel like taking a side without both of these teams missing their best player, but there is a ton of value on the UNDER in this game.
The Nets have scored just 298 points in three games since Durant went down, failing to score 100 points in two of those three games.
This lines up perfectly with how poorly the Suns have played on offense, ranking 30th in the NBA over their last 10 games in offensive rating.
Cam Johnson is expected to return from his knee injury for the Suns tonight, but he doesn’t completely flip the team’s offense the way Booker could.
Even with Irving likely to play, the Nets’ supporting cast just isn’t as strong when Durant isn’t on the floor and drawing a ton of defensive attention.
220.5 points feels like a gift in this matchup.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.