The Phoenix Suns travel to San Fran looking for a regular season series sweep. The Golden State Warriors are gaining a tidbit of rhythm, and wouldn’t go down that easy.

Catch the game tomorrow at 9:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Phoenix Suns (31-21, 15-10 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Devin Booker
  • Bradley Beal
  • Grayson Allen
  • Kevin Durant
  • Jusuf Nurkic

The Suns are on a three-game winning streak and have won 12 of their last 15 games. They are averaging 123.1 points per game and allowing 114.4 points over that span. Adding to that is the trio of victories over the Warriors this season: 119-116, 123-115, 108-104.

The Big 3 of Kevin Durant (28.4 PPG), Devin Booker (27.9 PPG), and Bradley Beal (18.8 PPG) have been hitting their strides nicely for weeks now after a rugged start. All are in rhythm, and should be able to continue as such tomorrow. Booker also has two 32-point performances on the Warriors this season.

Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, and Josh Okogie, meanwhile, will remain as the main pieces of the supporting cast. Nurkic is putting up a good double double in the season series: 13.7 points and 10.7 rebounds.

HOME: Golden State Warriors (24-25, 13-13 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Stephen Curry
  • Brandin Podziemski
  • Klay Thompson
  • Draymond Green
  • Kevon Looney

The hot-and-cold Warriors are on their “hot” mode as of late. They are 5-1 over their last six games, and have won three in a row. They are putting up 123.5 PPG in that span, boasting a healthy +10.5 net rating.

While Stephen Curry will remain as the guy to carry the offense, it’s good that he has been getting good help from an unexpected source, Jonathan Kuminga, who has 23.8 PPG on 59.6% across his last 12, and is finally breaking out. The solid presence of rookie Brandin Podziemski (9.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.7 APG) is a welcome surprise as per usual. They have been helping fill the void left by the inconsistencies of Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins – it’s hard to tell which versions of themselves will show up every given night. 

Strong and speedy defensive pest Gary Payton II will make his much-awaited return for tomorrow. He can be a key figure as he provides energy and generates momentum from his teammates. He has only played 16 games this season, averaging 5.3 points and 1.1 steals in 16.3 minutes per game.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Suns (-2) win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 240.5