The top two teams in the Western Conference meet Tuesday when the Golden State Warriors (18-2) face the Phoenix Suns (17-3) at Footprint Center. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET Below, we look at the Warriors vs. Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.
Golden State has won 14 of its last 15 games and seven straight, which includes three consecutive double-digit blowouts over playoff teams from last year. The Warriors are 15-4-1 ATS and 6-14 O/U with the best net rating (plus-13.6).
Phoenix has won 16 games in a row with the last two being road victories over both New York basketball teams. The Suns are 11-9 ATS and 9-11 O/U with the third-best net rating.
These teams split last year’s season series 1-1 with the home team winning and covering both games and either side of the total cashing. However, G Steph Curry only suited up for the game Golden State beat Phoenix.
Warriors at Suns odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:12 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Warriors +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Suns -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Warriors +2.5 (-112) | Suns -2.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Warriors at Suns key injuries
Warriors
- SF Andre Iguodala (hip) out
- SG Klay Thompson (knee) out
- C James Wiseman (knee) out
Suns
- Nothing affecting gambling odds.
Warriors at Suns odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Suns 116, Warriors 111
Money line
BET the SUNS (-135) since they are playing on their home floor and Phoenix has much better ball security.
For instance, G Chris Paul is a consummate floor general and the Suns are eighth in turnover rate. Poor ball security plays right into CP3’s strengths. Paul will be able to dictate the pace of this game and get his players into advantageous positions.
CP3 has also been one of the better defenders of Curry historically. Curry hasn’t scored 30 points in his last nine games against CP3 and has been held below 44.4% shooting in six of those games.
Golden State can get a little clumsy with all of its off-the-ball movement and the Warriors have the fourth-worst turnover rate in the Association. Also, Golden State is 24th in points off of turnovers allowed per game.
Both teams also get out in transition at a top-eight frequency but Phoenix has better offensive and defensive efficiency in transition.
BET 1.25 units on the SUNS (-135).
Against the spread
PASS since Phoenix’s money line is only 27 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Suns -2.5 (-108). I’m confident enough that Phoenix will win outright and don’t want to fuss with the points.
For what it’s worth, according to Pregame.com and the Yahoo! Sports App, the Warriors are getting nearly 90% of the action. So, there’s a “fade the market” angle in betting the Suns.
Over/Under
Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 221.5 (-112) for a small wager — if at all — because I much prefer the Phoenix side more than the total in this contest. That said, both teams rank in the top-three of effective field goal shooting and like to push the pace.
My concern with the betting the Over in this game is a vast majority of the market is taking the Over and I could see CP3 slowing this game down to keep the Warriors out of rhythm.
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