Two teams that have been hobbled by injuries will collide Tuesday night as the Phoenix Suns (20-21) take on the Golden State Warriors (20-20). This game will be played at the Chase Center, with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 pm ET.
Without star Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns have found themselves in the midst of a six-game losing streak. In their last game, they were defeated 112-98 at home by the Cavaliers. In the loss, Duane Washington Jr had a game-high 25 points, but it wasn’t enough for the Suns to overcome Cleveland.
Like the Suns, the Warriors have also been missing one of their most prolific scorers in, Steph Curry. They have lost two in a row, including a 115-101 home defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic. In the loss, Anthony Lamb had 26 points to lead the Warriors.
The Warriors open as the favorites playing at home Tuesday. They are -170 to win, while the Suns’ moneyline sits at +150. The spread features Phoenix as 4-point underdogs (-105), and the over/under for total points is 231.
Suns Hoping To Weather The Storm
At this point, the Suns’ injury report is starting to look like an All-Star roster. For Tuesday’s game, Devin Booker (groin), Chris Paul (hip), Jae Crowder (personal), Cameron Payne (foot), and Cameron Johnson (knee) are out. Deandre Ayton is also questionable for Tuesday’s game with an ankle injury.
For the Suns, that is five of their leading scorers, led by Devin Booker, who is averaging 27.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
If Ayton can go, he is averaging 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and two assists per game.
The only sure player in their leading scorers is small forward Mikal Bridges. In 41 games, he is averaging 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Overall, the Suns rank 17th in scoring, averaging 112.7 points per game. On the defensive end, they rank sixth, allowing 111 points per game.
Warriors Look To Continue Home Court Domination
It has been a Jekyll and Hyde situation for the Golden State Warriors this year depending on where they play their games. On the road, they are a miserable 3-16; however, at home, they are 17-4, best in the Western Conference.
Their hopes for Tuesday night are enhanced by the fact that Steph Curry has been upgraded to probable for Tuesday’s game. Hampered by a shoulder injury, Curry has averaged 30 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 26 games played.
Klay Thompson is also probable for this one after missing the last game. He is averaging 20.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Golden State’s defense has struggled this season. They rank 26th overall, allowing an average of 117.5 points per game (111.9 at home). On offense, though, they rank sixth overall, averaging 116.8 points per game.
Currently sixth in the Western Conference, the Warriors would love to start picking up some ground, starting on Tuesday night.
Take Warriors To Win And Cover
Looking At the trends, Phoenix is 0-6 straight up and 1-5 against the spread in their last six games. Even though they are 6-3 in their last nine games against the Warriors, their injury situation could negate their positive trends as of late.
For Golden State, they are 5-2 in their last seven games and 5-0 against the spread in their last five games against the Western Conference.
Especially with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson expected to play, the Warriors should have a significant advantage both with their personnel and playing at home. Expect the Warriors to snap their two-game losing streak, and don’t be surprised when they cover the 4-point spread (-105).
