The Phoenix Suns (20-60) welcome the Golden State Warriors (57-23) to Talking Stick Resort Arena to open their Western Conference schedules. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last game. The Suns were blown out by the New Orleans Pelicans, 122-103, while the Warriors lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, 126-120.
Golden State held New Orleans to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.5 (below their season average of 20.1) while Phoenix did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (20-26; 76.9 percent). Josh Jackson played well for Phoenix with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant played well for Golden State, putting up 41 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The offense of Phoenix (30th in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 101.2) will face off against the top-notch defense of Golden State (ninth in the league with a defensive efficiency of 105.0). The Warriors figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
A little over half of the Warriors games have finished under the projected point total. Golden State has an excellent 57-23 straight up (SU) record, but they struggle covering the spread (32-44-3 against the spread (ATS)).
Much like Golden State, Suns games have finished under the total 51.2 percent of the time. Moreover, Phoenix owns records of 20-60 SU and 36-42-2 ATS.
Both teams have had a couple of players step their game up over their last five games. Durant (25.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists) and Quinn Cook (16.6 points and 4.8 assists) have been fantastic for the Warriors, while Jackson (23.6 points and 2.0 steals) and Tyler Ulis (16.6 points and 8.0 assists) have made solid contributions to the Suns.
In their three contests this season, the Warriors have won all three. The two teams combined to score 224 points in their most recent game, which was over the projected point total of 215.5. Golden State won 117-107 but was unable to cover as a 15-point favorite. Golden State’s 0.612 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.517. Durant put up a double-double in the victory with 29 points and 11 rebounds.
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Warriors, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Suns rank 10th in points in the paint per game (45.9) while the Warriors rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.1).
- Golden State ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.7) while Phoenix ranks 29th (6.0).
- The Warriors average 8.0 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Suns rank 29th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
- Golden State ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.4) while Phoenix ranks 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.8).
- Phoenix ranks 11th in second chance points per game (13.0) while Golden State ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
- The Warriors rank first in assists per game (29.5) while the Suns rank 29th (21.1).
- The Warriors rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (42.3) while the Suns rank 28th (46.0).
- Golden State averages 19.5 fast break points per game, which ranks first in the league. Phoenix ranks 27th in fast break points allowed per game (14.7).
- Golden State is 15-5 when they allow below 100 points, while Phoenix is 7-2.
- The Warriors are 54-15 when they score above 100 points, while the Suns are 15-35.
- Phoenix is 14-25-1 ATS at home, while Golden State is 17-21-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 20 of the Warriors 39 road games, while 20 of the Suns 40 home games have gone under.
Betting Trends:
- The Suns are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Warriors are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Phoenix has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Golden State has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Suns average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 9.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Warriors have scored an average of 113.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.4 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
