Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors preview prediction and picks

The Phoenix Suns 19-3 (12-10 ATS) will take on the Golden State Warriors 18-3 (15-5-1 ATS) for the second time in days on Friday at Chase Center.

Despite their 104-96 win over the Dubs last time around, the Suns opened on BetUS.com as a significant +7 road underdogs. Major bookmakers also anticipate another high-scoring affair between the two teams, setting the total at 216 points.

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Betting Lines

ATS: Warriors -7

Moneyline: Suns +240, Warriors -290

O/U: 216 points

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Team News

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Devin Booker will be sidelined for a few games due to a hamstring injury. The injury limited the sweet-shooting guard to just 15 minutes in the Suns’ home win against the Warriors. Booker leads his team in scoring with 23.2 PPG on 40.3 3PT%.

.@wojespn provides an update on Devin Booker on NBA Today.

“It’s not believed to be a serious injury. … I’m told to expect he’s going to miss at least a few games.” pic.twitter.com/Pj5hXoAgzC

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 1, 2021

Kendra Andrews of NBC Sports Bay Area discussed why Kevin Looney deserves some props for the Warriors’ early-season success. The NBA scribe highlighted the veteran big man’s ability to impact the game beyond the stats sheet, apart from his team-leading 6.6 RPG. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and his teammates praised Looney for anchoring the No.1 defense in the league.

“It’s not obvious what he does,” Kerr said of Looney. “He’s not a guy who’s going to wow you with his athleticism or shooting skill or anything. It’s more subtle, what he does for our team. But we all recognize it because we’ve been watching it for years.”

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors Injury Report

Suns: Frank Kaminsky – OUT (Knee), Devin Booker – OUT (Hamstring), Abder Nader – OUT (Knee), and Dario Saric – OUT (Knee).

Warriors: Andre Iguodala – OUT (Knee), Klay Thompson – OUT (Achilles), Damion Lee- Probable (Personal), and James Wiseman – OUT (Knee).

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Preview

The Suns did not feel Booker’s absence on Thursday as they cruised to a 114-103 win over the Detroit Pistons. Phoenix now has racked up 18th straight victory, putting them atop the Western Conference leaderboard at 19-3. In their win over Detroit, seven different players scored double-digit points. Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne recorded 19 points each off the bench, while Mikal Bridges tallied 18 markers.

On the other hand, the Warriors hasn’t played since their marquee matchup with the Suns last Tuesday. They have spent the last four days preparing for their second showdown with their West rivals this season. Curry, who was held to 12 points on 4-for-21 shooting in the first matchup, should be ready to go along with the rest of the Dubs on Friday.

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Prediction

The Suns have proven several times that they can get points from anywhere on their roster, as long as they stick with their system. However, they will soon realize that it’s not easy replacing Booker’s 23-point per game output against an elite defensive squad like the Warriors. Ranked no.2 on offense and no.1 on defense, Golden State can beat any team in different ways. Moreover, Steve Kerr’s team holds the highest winning margin at +12.6 points and a staggering +16.6 at home.

The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State’s last 10 games.
Golden State are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games.
Phoenix are 2-16 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Golden State.