Suns vs. Warriors Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Andrew Rogers
For the Golden State Warriors, nothing soothes the sting of a loss like returning home to face the Phoenix Suns – and that’s exactly what the defending NBA champions have to look forward to as the teams face off Monday night at Oracle Arena. The Warriors dropped a 100-98 decision to the host Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, but are overwhelming favourites against a Suns team they’ve beaten 14 consecutive times dating back to 2010.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
It should come as no surprise that the Warriors are such heavy favourites – not only did they roll to four wins in as many games against the Suns last season, but they won those games by an average margin of 22 points. But winning as a heavy fave and covering in those games are two completely different things – and bettors should take note: the Warriors are just 4-9 ATS in their previous 13 games as a favourite of 10 or more points.
With the total for this one a shade under 228, it’s worth considering that both teams are sporting strong under trends despite their propensity for playing in high-scoring affairs. Phoenix has cashed the under in 10 of its previous 11 road games against teams with a .600 or better winning rate at home, while Golden State is 3-12-1 O/U in its last 16 following a straight-up loss. On the other hand, the over has cashed in 19 of the past 26 meetings in Oakland.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have been on both ends of a blowout to open the season, kicking things off with a 21-point drubbing of Dallas before falling to the Nuggets by 28. Phoenix continues to rely heavily on star shooting guard Devin Booker, who is averaging 30 points through two games while showing off his passing prowess with 14 total assists. Rookie big man Deandre Ayton is also off to a solid start, averaging 11.5 points, nine rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Golden State Warriors
With Golden State’s regular season representing little more than an 82-game warmup, finding ways to stay motivated could become a challenge at times – but wanting to extend their win streak against the Suns might bring out the best in the Warriors. So, too, could the desire to avoid consecutive losses: Golden State is 4-1 ATS following a defeat, and lost consecutive games just four times all of last season.
