The reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors (2-1) travel to the Arizona Desert to face the Phoenix Suns (2-1), the reigning Pacific division champions, in a key early season Western Conference matchup.
The Warriors and the Suns enter the contest, having already had a hiccup during the early going. Tip-off, for one of Tuesday’s top NBA matchups, is slated for 10 p.m. (ET) at the Footprint Center.
Warriors vs. Suns Odds Breakdown
Warriors vs. Suns odds have the Suns as slight favorites. While the spread has stuck at Phoenix -2.5 (-110), the over/under of 225.0 points (-107) and the money line have fluctuated slightly.
The over/under is now 225 points – and has gone as low as 224 – after starting at 226.
Meanwhile, the money line has also changed slightly, with the Suns going from -140-to-135 while the Warriors went from +120-to-+115.
Matchup Information
- Time and Date: October 25, 2022, 10:00 p.m.
- Venue: Footprint Center
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- How To Watch: TNT
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
The two NBA teams are meeting for the 256th time. Golden State is 33 -11 in the last 44 meetings against Phoenix, although the Warriors still trail in the all-time series 144-111.
Over the last two seasons, the Suns have taken four of the seven meetings, including going 3-1 in Phoenix.
The Warriors have covered four of the previous five meetings. Meanwhile, the under is 5-2 in the seven matchups.
Golden State Warriors
The defending Western Conference champions have a golden opportunity to make a statement in the division race, as the Warriors’ standings are 2-1.
The Dubs put up a franchise-record 50 points in the second quarter and 89 in the first half, which was the third-most points ever for the organization for a half, en route to a 130-125 victory over Sacramento the last time out.
However, Golden State fell to 1-2 ATS, failing to cover their last two contests, as the Warriors were 10-point favorites. The over has hit in each of their last three games.
Stephen Curry poured in 33 points, knocking down 11 of 22 shots from the field and 5 of 7 from the 3-point line, for his third straight game of reaching the 30-point plateau.
This is the second time Curry has accomplished the feat, with the other occasion occurring in 2018-19. Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole each chipped in 24.
Top-Scoring Offense
The Golden State Warriors have the top-scoring offense in the league at 125 points a game. They are doing this despite not firing on all cylinders.
The Dubs, who are 15th in offensive efficiency, rank eighth in the league in shooting percentage (48.2%) and 14th in 3-point shooting percentage (36.9%).
Warriors’ Defense
Defensively, Golden State has surprisingly struggled as they ranked No. 1 in efficiency last year. The Warriors allow 120.7 points (25th) a game as their opponents shoot 47.2% (23rd) from the field.
However, the Dubs have defended the 3-point line well, holding their opponents to just 30.8% (5th).
Worst Rebounding Team
The Warriors are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, with a rebound percentage of just 48.%. They grab 40 boards a game and get outrebounded by six caroms a contest.
NBA injury report shows that Donte DiVincenzo (left hamstring strain) and Andre Iguodala (left hip) have been ruled out.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns’ betting picks have hit twice in three games. Favored in all three games, Phoenix finally covered (-1.5) in their 112-95 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday as Devin Booker tossed in 35 points on 13 of 21 shooting from the field.
Four-Point Favorites
The Suns fell to the Portland Trail Blazers by two on the road. They were four-point favorites in their season-opener against Dallas but came away with just a two-point win.
Phoenix looks like a major contender in the West as Booker looks to finally break into the top echelon players in the league.
He scored at least 28 points in the first three games while shooting a blistering 53.1% from the field and 52.9% from the 3-point line.
Chris Paul, who has struggled shooting the ball, continues to dole out dimes as he became the third player in NBA history to total 11,000 assists in the victory over the Clippers.
Suns Offense
Offensively, Phoenix ranks 21st in scoring at 110 points a game. The Suns are shooting 46.3% (15th) from the field and 36.3% (16th) from the 3-point line.
Suns Defense
Defensively, the Suns are one of the best in the league in the early going, as they allow 104.3 points (fifth) a game.
They limit their opponents to 44.8% shooting (10th) from the field and 34.4% (15th) from beyond the arc. Phoenix averages 43.3 rebounds a game and has a zero-rebound advantage over its opponents.
Jae Crowder (not with team) and Ish Wainwright are listed out on the NBA injury report.
Warriors vs. Suns Analysis and Prediction
For the Warriors vs. Suns odds to be 225.0 on the total seems to be a little high. Golden State is a high-powered offensive team that likes to play fast.
However, just like last year, the Warriors are having issues with turnovers. Meanwhile, the Suns will likely look to control the pace by looking for the best shots and controlling the defensive glass.
For the Warriors vs. Suns odds of Phoenix -3 seem to be right on the mark. There is not a lot of difference between the teams in terms of talent and how they are playing. Plus, this is the Warriors’ first road game of the campaign and the Suns’ second home contest.
Plus, both teams are still adjusting to the offseason moves by their organizations, even though neither squad made major changes. Cameron Johnson replacing Crowder in the starting lineup and adding Damion Lee and Jock Landale are the major differences for the Suns.
The Warriors’ big roster moves were getting James Wiseman back after a lengthy layoff due to injury (over a year) and adding role players JaMychael Green along with DiVincenzo.
Who To Bet On?
This contest is between two of the top NBA teams in the league, and this game should be very competitive. The Suns are the better team defensively, and their ability to clean the defensive glass and force turnovers should be the difference.
NBA Pick: Phoenix -2.5 (-110).
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