The Phoenix Suns (19-51) will try to slow down the Golden State Warriors (52-17) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports – Arizona at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last contest. The Suns were blown out by the Utah Jazz, 116-88, while the Warriors lost to the Sacramento Kings, 98-93.
Golden State had a better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 12.6) while Phoenix did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (17-24; 70.8 percent). Josh Jackson had a good game for Phoenix with 17 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Golden State was led by Draymond Green, who recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
There could be a fair amount of transition action in this meeting that features two of the NBA’s more fast-breaking teams. Phoenix currently ranks third in possessions per game (102.5) and Golden State is fifth (101.1). Moreover, the top-ranked offense of the Warriors (offensive efficiency of 114.0) will square off against the 30th-ranked defense of the Suns (defensive efficiency of 111.2).
It’s tough to find a trend for Warriors games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Golden State has an excellent 52-17 straight up (SU) record, but they have a hard time covering the spread (28-37-3 against the spread (ATS)).
Of the Suns 70 games, 34 have finished over the total. Additionally, Phoenix is 19-51 SU and 31-37-2 ATS.
In their first matchup this year, Stephen Curry led the Warriors to a 129-83 victory. He put up 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Golden State covered as a 16-point favorite and the two teams combined for 212 points, which was well under the projected point total of 230.5. Golden State’s 0.646 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.363.
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Warriors, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Warriors rank 12th in points in the paint per game (44.5) while the Suns rank 26th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.5).
- Golden State ranks first in fast break points per game (20.3) while Phoenix ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (14.7).
- The Suns average 13.4 second chance points per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Warriors rank last in second chance points allowed per game (13.9).
- Golden State ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while Phoenix ranks 29th (45.8).
- Golden State ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while Phoenix ranks 27th (14.9).
- The Warriors rank first in blocks allowed per game (3.5) while the Suns rank 28th (5.9).
- The Warriors average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Suns rank 28th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
- Golden State ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while Phoenix ranks 13th in three pointers allowed per game (29.0).
- Golden State ranks first in assists per game (30.0) while Phoenix ranks 28th (21.0).
- Phoenix is 6-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Golden State is 13-3.
- The Suns are 15-31 when they reach 100 points, while the Warriors are 49-12.
- Phoenix is 12-21-1 ATS at home, while Golden State is 14-19-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 17 of the Suns 34 home games, while 18 of the Warriors 34 road games have gone over.
Betting Trends:
- In their last five games, Golden State and Phoenix are both 1-4 ATS.
- The Warriors have 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games, while the Suns have 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Warriors have scored an average of 106.2 points per game (9.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
- The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 21.4, up from 9.4 for the season.
