Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors, NBA 2024-25 Season, Today Match Prediction

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Phoenix Suns Preview

Despite the recent losses on the home court to the Brooklyn Nets 127-117 and the New York Knicks 138-122, the recent high-scoring Phoenix Suns took full vengeance by thrashing the LA Lakers on the home court by a score of 127-100. 

The Suns are currently sitting in the middle of the road, being 4th within the Pacific Division, while being in 9th place within the Western Conference and possessing a 10-8 record. They rebound 43.3 per game, good for 18th in the league, and assist 26.4 per game, the 13th best in the league. 

They're a solid shooting team as they're connecting on 55.0 percent of their two-point tries and 36.9 percent of their three-point attempts. Its defense is where the Suns falter, giving up 114.4 points per game, ranking them 21st in the nation.

The players to watch for the Suns will be Kevin Durant who has been sublime with an average of 27.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 11 games while Devin Booker has put in effort to bring 24.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists for his 18 games. 

Bradley Beal has also been good after his return from injury with an average of 18.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 11 games. Tyus Jones on the other hand is the only player in the squad alongside Booker who has played all 18 games so far and is averaging 7.1 assists per game.

The Suns are relatively healthy, with only one player currently injured Colin Gillespie who is out with a fractured ankle. They will rely mainly on their opening lineup, which should include Tyus Jones as point guard, Devin Booker as shooting guard, Bradley Beal as small forward, Kevin Durant as power forward, and Jusuf Nurkic as center.

Golden State Warriors Preview

Despite a recent slump with three consecutive losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-101, Brooklyn Nets 128-120, and San Antonio Spurs 104-94, the Golden State Warriors remain an unstoppable force. They are on top of the Pacific Division and third in the Western Conference with a 12-6 record. 

Statistically, they stand out in a few areas: they are 2nd in the league in rebounds per game (49.3) and assists per game (30.0), which points to their team play. They also shoot well with 52.8% on two-point attempts and 37.7% from beyond the arc. Despite a potent offense, scoring 116.8 points per game (8th in the league), their defense is just as stout, holding opponents to just 109.6 points per game (7th in the league).

In terms of key players former MVP Stephen Curry has averaged 22.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 14 games while Andrew Wiggins has contributed 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 16 games. Buddy Hield on the other hand adds 15.6 points per game but has only started one game. The only player who started all 18 games is Draymond Green, who provides the team with defensive grit and leadership.

The team has injury problems as Stephen Curry is day-to-day with a knee injury, and Quentin Post and De'Anthony Melton are sidelined. Stephen Curry generally starts at point guard, but if he is injured, Buddy Hield should start. 

Lindy Waters III will start as shooting guard, Andrew Wiggins at small forward, Draymond Green at power forward, and Trayce Jackson-Davis at center. The Warriors have to keep their defense razor-sharp and use the offense to propel them upward in the standings as they bounce back from recent losses.

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Starting Lineups