Golden State Warriors (57-23 SU, 33-46-1 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (20-60 SU, 34-41-2 ATS)
Time: Sunday, April 8th, 2018 9:05 PM EDT
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena Phoenix, AZ
TV: NBA TV / SPORTSNET
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds Golden State -1450, Phoenix +750
Point Spread: Phoenix +13
Total Line: OFF
The Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors will meet in a Pacific Division collision set to take place at the luxurious Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The game tips-off at 9:05 PM EDT and will be televised on both NBA TV and SPORTSNET live from the Desert. The two teams have varied greatly in the body of work over the span of this season. In the last eleven meetings between both parties, the Warriors have swept all of the contests with victories. Most recently, Golden State defeated Phoenix 117-107 in Oakland a week ago.
Both teams enter into this game on disappointing notions. For Phoenix, they have won just one game in their last ten outings. Golden State also enters on a losing streak as they have fallen in their last two contests. Last night, Golden State was upset at home by the New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 126-120.
There are several betting trends worth focusing on in this contest. Though Phoenix covered in the last encounter, Golden State was 4-0 ATS against Phoenix in the preceding four meetings. Phoenix is 10-30 SU in the Desert while Golden State is 28-11 SU on the road.
There a few key ingredients that make the Suns a good play here. First off, Golden State is not the Golden State we have seen in the past years. New Orleans proved that last night. Golden State has embarked on a nasty skid, and the emotional toll of this plays into Phoenix’s hands as they will be curating hosting duties. Teams like Phoenix play with reckless abandon, and they are a dangerous test to get past if the Warriors enter flat. Moreover, scheduling advantages make Phoenix a quality option albeit they are better rested and not forced to travel.
Despite Golden State having troubles as of late, the Warriors are still an elite outfit. After all, Golden State is the defending champions of this league. Golden State holds advantages in every statistical category against Phoenix outside of rebounding and the bench. Be that as it may, Phoenix’s defense affords Golden State’s high-powered offense an opportunity to catalyze with ease.
Out of the chute, we have seen no line movements to reveal an indication of action on either the Suns or Warriors. However, given the status of both teams the Warriors will likely be a popular choice, and thus the line will likely inflate. In Over/Under markets we have yet to see a market be established at this point.
Once again, Golden State enters this contest quite vulnerable. The absence of Stephen Curry has played an enormous factor in the intangibles that this team normally hones to produce prolific results. Sure, the Warriors have Kevin Durant, but KD couldn’t break through the Indiana defense nor could he ward off the likes of Anthony Davis against New Orleans. Given the state of Golden State in this contest, they are quite risky when asked to spot this kind of lumber. Phoenix, after all, has nothing to lose here. The Suns have had yet another disappointing season, and the only way they could boost some morale is to finish off the win with what would be a hallmark win. By no means are we suggesting that Golden State will be upset here. However, you can expect Phoenix to show up here and not treat this game as a dress rehearsal. Moreover, there is plenty of backdoor potential here even if the Warriors have their way here. Thus, we will go ahead and take the points on the table.
KEITHs PICK: Phoenix +13 at 5Dimes to get the best line on this game and guys if you don’t have an account here, now is the time to save money all season long in NBA and MLB!