Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (1/10/23)

The Phoenix Suns visit the Golden State Warriors in a big Western Conference matchup. The Suns have been in a funk recently and have lost six straight games, with the most recent coming to the Cavaliers at home. On the other side, the Warriors have rebounded a little bit, but have also lost two straight with the most recent coming against the Magic at home.

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Odds

The Golden State Warriors are 12-point home favorites against the Phoenix Suns and are at -660 on the money line. The over/under is also at 229.5. The Warriors being favored by this much makes sense because almost the entire starting lineup for the Suns is injured in some capacity. The over/under makes sense because both of these teams are great offensively, and with Curry coming back that’s also a big reason why.

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Prediction

The pick: Golden State Warriors -12

The Warriors were stuck in a rut earlier this season, but they seem like they’ve finally figured it out.  Stephen Curry will finally be back after missing time due to a shoulder injury. He’s been having a great season so far and is one of the few players averaging 30 points per game this season. He leads the Warriors in scoring and assists, and is one of the biggest difference makers in the entire NBA. Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson have been great this year too and have steadied the ship while Curry’s been out. Andrew Wiggins also has been very good this year too and is behind those three in scoring. As a team, the Warriors are one of the best offensive teams in the NFL at 116.8 points per game, and are also in the top-15 of the NBA in field goal percentage. On the other side for the Suns, they are really struggling.

The biggest issue is that the injury bug has really hit Phoenix hard with seven total players being injured. Five of their top six scorers are currently dealing with injuries in some form. Mikal Bridges should be the best player available for Phoenix tonight and he leads the team in steals per game. Duane Washington Jr. and Landry Shamet should also be in line to step up in this spot with the void of minutes the Suns are facing. As a team, their offensive production has taken a dip, but they’ve been very good on defense still. They are allowing 111 points a game which is sixth in the NBA, and they are very good at rebounding the ball too. Golden State should roll in this game because they are getting players back from injury like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, while the Suns are going to be very short-handed still. Golden State at home is the best play here with the points.

Betting Trends

Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Warriors are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.

Key Matchups

Can anyone in the Suns backcourt matchup with Stephen Curry? Can Andrew Wiggins matchup with Mikal Bridges?

Stephen Curry vs. the Suns Backcourt

Stephen Curry has been great this year and he’s back for this game. He averages 30 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds for the season. The Suns are going to throw Landry Shamet and Duane Washington Jr. at Stephen Curry most of the game. They average a combined 18 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds for the season. They both are decent defenders as well. This matchup could get ugly for either one because of how good Curry has been even with him coming back from injury.

Mikal Bridges vs. Andrew Wiggins

Mikal Bridges has been very good this year and will be the Suns leader for this game. He averages 15 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds for the season. He’s going to be matched up against Andrew Wiggins most of the game. Wiggins averages 19 points, 2 assists, and 5 rebounds for the season. This should be a dynamic matchup. Bridges is a better defensive player, but Wiggins is better on offense. Look for this matchup to be a big key for who wins this game.

Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup

PG: Duane Washington Jr.
SG: Landry Shamet
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Torrey Craig
C: Bismack Biyombo

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineups

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Draymond Gren
C: Kevon Looney

Key Injuries

Phoenix Suns Injuries: C Deandre Ayton (Ankle) O, PG Chris Paul (Hip) O

Golden State Warriors Injuries: PG Stephen Curry (Shoulder) P, C James Wiseman (Ankle) O