The Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors cross paths for the second time in four days. Will the Suns double down on their mastery of Golden State with yet another win against Stephen Curry and company? Or, will the Warriors avenge their earlier loss?
Catch this game live on Saturday, December 4, at 11 AM, Manila time
Away: Phoenix Suns (19-3/9-1 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Cam Johnson
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
As noted in our preview of the first meeting between the Suns and the Warriors, both teams are good at forcing turnovers, but one of them is awful when it comes to taking care of the leather. That’s the Warriors, who committed an unforgivable total of 22 turnovers in the 104-96 road loss to Phoenix last Wednesday. The Suns merely validated what most people know about them with that performance; they are a scary good defensive team — one that is top five in the NBA in scoring defense and steals per game and top 10 in both opponents’ turnovers per contest and opponents’ turnover rate.
Mikal Bridges was a nightmare for Stephen Curry, with the two-time league MVP going just 4-of-21 for 12 points. That defense will have to hold once again, with Devin Booker out for at least a few games due to a hamstring injury he picked up in the win versus Golden State. Without Booker, the Suns can give expanded roles on offense to Deandre Ayton, who was a huge problem for the Warriors on Wednesday. Ayton dominated the paint on both sides of the floor in that game and scored 24 points to go with 11 rebounds and two blocks. Then there’s Chris Paul, who smartly orchestrated the Suns’ offense even without Booker, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists, and five steals. Phoenix is 2-0 ATS in its last two games away from home.
Home: Golden State Warriors (18-3/11-1 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Jordan Poole
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Draymond Green
- C: Kevon Looney
Curry was undeniably bottled up by the Suns the other day, but the question is whether they can keep him in control for the second meeting in a row? There’s a reason Curry is regarded as the best shooter in NBA history. He is definitely human, capable of looking hilariously bad one game. But at the same time, Curry can morph into an unstoppable force against any type of defense on any given night. Don’t get surprised if Curry detonates for a huge scoring night in the rematch against the Suns. On the season, Curry has averaged 28.3 points with a lethal 41.9% shooting from deep in 12 games at Chase Center.
The last time the Warriors played there, Curry went off for 32 points on 12-of-25 shooting from the field and 6-of-15 from behind the arc during a 118-103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan Poole, meanwhile, will look to build on his 28-point performance in the loss to the Suns. Defensively, the Warriors should have a better plan on slowing down Ayton and Chris Paul. Not having to deal with Booker is a nice start for the Warriors, though. The Warriors are 9-0-1 ATS in their last 10 games as the home team, dating back to October.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Suns showed that they have the keys to stopping the Warriors, but this is revenge time for Curry and company. Golden State covers (-7) with a double-digit win.
Over/Under: Devin Booker can’t be replaced, but his scoring can be spread out to Cam Johnson and Landry Shamet, who played well in the Suns’ win against the Detroit Piston on Friday. The Warriors will also have fewer turnovers this time. I like the Over (216.0)
