The San Antonio Spurs return to action after a four-day rest when they travel to Arizona for a date with the struggling Phoenix Suns, who’ve only won one out of eight games in this month of January. Who will reign supreme in this one? Will the Spurs extend their unbeaten run to 12 games? Or will the Suns somehow pull off a shocking upset?
[sc:NBA250 ]Read on below for a detailed breakdown of this Western Conference showdown, and while you’re at it, check out our preview of the Los Angeles Clippers at Cleveland Cavaliers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
When: Thursday, January 21, 2016, 10:30 PM ET
Line: San Antonio Spurs (-14) vs. Phoenix Suns (+14); total: 200.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the San Antonio Spurs (36-6)
If there’s one team that can match up with the 39-4 Golden State Warriors, that’s definitely the San Antonio Spurs, who are just 2.5 games behind the defending champions.
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Spurs have been imposing their will throughout the entire season, posting 103.9 points PPG and allowing a league-low of 89.6 PPG. They’ve been showcasing this balanced attack in their current 11-game winning streak, beating their opponents by 17.5 points and scoring 109.7 points during that stretch.
Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge have led this on-going success for the Spurs. The two are the team’s top point-getters this season with 20.1 PPG and 16.1 PPG respectively. They should be able to get their usual numbers later versus a Phoenix Suns’ squad that ranks sixth-worst in the league in terms of defensive efficiency.
Head coach Gregg Popovich will be without the services of beloved point guard Tony Parker, who’s nursing an injured hip. Patty Mills is a capable deputy at point guard, though, and the Spurs have more than enough firepower in their bench to cope. The Spurs reserves are averaging 40.8 points per game, third-most in the NBA this season.
On defense though, the Spurs ought to stay cautious about Brandon Knight, who is contributing almost 20 points per outing this year. Once he’s locked up all game long, it’s almost impossible to see them lose this one.
San Antonio is undefeated in its last 10 road games, going 7-3 ATS in that span.
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Betting on the Phoenix Suns (13-30)
Despite being the obvious underdog in this matchup, the Phoenix Suns can use this as a source of motivation and hopefully pull off the unlikely upset.
In their last game on Tuesday, the Suns didn’t go silently into the night against the visiting Pacers, who edged them by just three points, 97-94. Phoenix can thank Devin Booker for his resilient effort, as the 19-year-old rookie had the best game of his NBA career, erupting for a career-high 32 points (9-for-16 shooting). Booker also displayed his outside touch with six three-pointer under his name.
The Suns, though, will need more than just Booker’s efforts against the Spurs, who are the No. 1 defensive team in the league today. That said, look to Brandon Knight, their second-leading scorer (19.7 PPG) this season, to be very aggressive all night long.
As for the defense, center Tyson Chandler needs to come up big as well. He’ll be facing a San Antonio team that loves to attack the paint (45.0 PPG). Chandler, however, continues to struggle for the Suns this season, posting just 5.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks through 34 games.
Phoenix is 2-8 SU and 4-5-1 ATS in its past 10 encounters with the Spurs.
Writer’s Prediction
Spurs (-14) win this one by more than 20 points. Create a betting account now and put your NBA predictions to the test!
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