Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors Betting Pick & Prediction 12/28/24

At 8:30 ET, the Golden State Warriors (-221) will host the Phoenix Suns (+184) in a Western Pacific divisional matchup. The over/under line for the game is 219.5.

Golden State (-5.5) is currently on a three-game losing streak and is 9th in the Western Conference. The Suns are 11th in the West and have a record of 15-15.

PHOENIX SUNS VS GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Phoenix Suns +5.5

This game will be played at Chase Center at 8:30 ET on Saturday, December 28th.

WHY BET THE PHOENIX SUNS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 114-96 in favor of the Suns.
• Our projections have Kevin Durant finishing with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
• From the field, we have the Suns finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.3% and knocking down 14 threes.

Will Phoenix Win on the Road?

The Suns fell to 15-15 on the season after a 98-89 home loss to the Mavericks on Friday. Phoenix, favored by 1 point, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total score of 187 points was well below the O/U line of 224.

After a rough 2nd quarter, where they were outscored 27-14, the Suns tried to rally by winning the 3rd quarter 25-17. However, they couldn’t close the gap in the 4th, getting outscored 26-25.

The Suns struggled offensively in their 98-89 loss to the Mavericks, shooting just 38.6% from the field. Kevin Durant was the standout performer, hitting 57.9% of his shots and 75% from three-point range, finishing with 35 points, including 15 in the 3rd quarter.

Royce O’Neale added 14 points, knocking down 4 threes, while Bradley Beal contributed 11 points despite shooting just 27.8%. The Suns made 13 threes as a team, shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Suns couldn’t capitalize, allowing 98 points in their loss to the Mavericks. Phoenix gave up 28 points in the 1st quarter and 27 in the 2nd but tightened up in the 3rd, holding Dallas to just 17 points. The Mavericks scored 26 in the 4th to seal the game.

The Suns held Dallas to 43% shooting, including 35% from three, with the Mavericks making 12 threes. Phoenix sent Dallas to the line 17 times, where they hit 16 free throws. The Suns grabbed 30 defensive rebounds, allowing 7 offensive boards, and recorded 11 steals and 7 blocks.

Can the Warriors Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?

The Warriors dropped to 15-15 on the season after a 102-92 road loss to the Clippers on Friday. Golden State entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game fell well short of the 212.5 O/U line, with the teams combining for just 194 points.

Golden State started strong, leading 21-19 after the 1st quarter, but the Clippers took control by outscoring the Warriors 62-41 over the next two quarters. The Warriors made a push in the 4th, going on a 14-0 run to cut the Clippers’ lead from 85-67 to 99-67, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

In their 102-92 loss to the Clippers, the Warriors struggled offensively, shooting just 36.8% from the field and hitting only 7 three-pointers at an 18.4% clip. Jonathan Kuminga led the way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, connecting on 57.9% of his shots.

Trayce Jackson-Davis added 15 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 58.3%, while Moses Moody chipped in 11 points. Kuminga was particularly strong in the 4th quarter, scoring 15 points, with Jackson-Davis adding 6 and Moody 7 in the final period.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 1st and 4th quarters, the Warriors couldn’t overcome a rough 2nd and 3rd, giving up 30 and 32 points, respectively, in a 102-92 loss to the Clippers. Golden State allowed Los Angeles to shoot 53% from the field.

The Warriors did a great job defending the three, holding the Clippers to 31% shooting with just 10 made threes. They also sent Los Angeles to the line only 15 times, where they made 12 free throws. Golden State finished with 14 steals and 2 blocks.