Warriors Ready for NBA War II – Suns Warriors Picks

The Phoenix Suns won the first war with the Golden State Warriors, but this battle could end differently on Friday.

NBA odds expect the Warriors to fight back and even the series at 1-1, especially with the injury to Phoenix leading scorer Devin Booker. His absence has swung the betting in the Warriors favor, but with 18 wins on the bounce, is there any stopping the Suns?

Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors

Suns Facing Uphill Battle

There was no reason to panic when the Phoenix Suns started 1-3. Last season’s NBA finalists got into gear by rattling off 18 consecutive wins, which is no easy feat.

However, despite posting an 19-3 record and a 12-10 against the spread record, it could be tough for bettors to back them confidently until Booker returns.

He’s such an important piece to their puzzle and they’ll desperately miss his 23.2 points per game. Booker will miss an extended period of time with a hamstring injury, so the Suns might give up some ground in coming weeks.

They are a half-game ahead of  the Warriors in the Western Conference, but they got first blood when winning 104-96 on Tuesday night. To win and cover the spread without Booker, who left with an injury in the second quarter, was a tremendous effort, but it’s always harder over the next few games.

We don’t want to say the Suns got lucky with Steph Curry shooting so poorly, but he’s unlikely to repeat it. If the Suns don’t contain Curry, it could be curtains.

“With all of the mistakes we did have and how terrible I shot the ball, it was a close game down the stretch,” Curry told ESPN. “I know Booker got hurt, but yes, it was a good learning lesson for us. Understanding the intensity and the focus we need to beat a team like that.”

The last time the Suns were getting anywhere near seven points was when they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-107 as a 7½-point dog. They have no problems receiving points, and it’s a big number to give the best team in the NBA.

However, with Booker out, the Suns could struggle to score points. We like the under 105 points for Phoenix, especially playing on the road at Chase Center.

Pick: Phoenix Suns Team Total – Under 105 points

Curry Ready to Cook

It’s not often Steph Curry has an off performance, but that was the case in the first meeting with the Suns.

He couldn’t get going and it hurt the Warriors, who rely on Curry to provide most of the points and momentum. Jordan Poole was solid with 28 points, but Curry has the ability to change the course of a game.

We don’t expect him to have a similar performance on Friday and getting a coupledays off will help his cause. The Warriors had a busy schedule with consecutive road games, so playing at home with rest is an ideal situation.

The Warriors are an excellent team to bet. They are 15-5-1 against the spread, which included seven straight covers before losing to the Suns. They’ll be keen to reverse that performance and cover the -7 line.

NBA betting markets will likely take plenty of money for the Warriors, who could be on their way to another NBA championship.

“It’s great to be back in the mix. What I’ve learned, though, in five trips to the Finals, is that so much is just up in the air — circumstances you can’t control,” coach Steve Kerr told Bleacher Report.

“I know it’s coach-speak, but if we just come in every day and get our work in and enjoy the process, we’re going to win a ton of games. We’ve already proven that. We keep trying to get better, put ourselves in the best position possible.”

The Warriors covering the spread doesn’t solely hinge on Curry having a big night, but it would help their cause. If he gets going, the over 112 points should be an easy cover.

Pick: Golden State Warriors Team Total – Over 112

Going Into War with the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are typically a good bet and this is an ideal situation to jump on board.

It’s a revenge spot after losing the first game and Curry is keen to show Phoenix his best. The Suns are also without Booker, which can’t be understated.

There are a lack of scoring options for the Suns, which could force Chris Paul to shoot more. Given the Warriors’ defensive schemes, Paul will struggle to get open shots.

Take the Warriors to score a comfortable victory and cover a generous NBA spread.

Pick: Golden State Warriors -7