The San Antonio Spurs are scheduled to take on the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, and both teams enter this matchup with commendable performances this season. As part of our in-depth NBA odds analysis series, we bring you a complete prediction and pick for the upcoming Spurs-Suns matchup.
After a difficult season last season, Spurs showed remarkable progress this year, despite some contradictions. With emerging talent and a significant opportunity in front of them, they seem poised to shake up the dynamics of the league. At the heart of their resurgence is Victor Wembanyama, a generational talent already making waves under the basket. This game against the Suns will be decisive for his development and the aspirations of the team.
The Suns had a disappointing campaign last year, but the air of anticipation can be seen in Phoenix for this season. A revamped roster and new coaching staff have reignited new momentum, highlighted by star players such as Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. They are off to a strong start but will need to maintain this momentum throughout the season.
Read more:
Former NBA veteran Paul Millsap has ended an illustrious career
Offensively, the Spurs have struggled, ranking 20th in the league with an average of 111.1 points per game. Their shooting success percentage is 46.1%, which places them in 17th, while their three-point skill is 35.8%, which places them in 16th position. However, they had eight players surpass the ten-point average, with Wembanyama leading the charge with 24 points per game. Veteran Chris Paul was instrumental in running the game, averaging 8.2 assists per game. For the Spurs to stand against the Suns, they will need a solid performance from Paul and Devin Vassell to support Wembanyama and raise their offensive game.
Read more:
The renewal of Alex Caruso’s contract is a priority for the Thunder
Defensively, the Spurs have shown some promise, giving up 110.8 points per game to opponents with a shooting percentage of 45.7% and 34.9% from distance. Wembanyama’s presence is felt in the paint, leading him not only in rebounds with 10.2 per game but also in blocks with 3.5. Additionally, Charles Bassey contributes at least one block per game, while Chris Paul leads the team in steals with 1.4. The defense of the Spurs seems to be strong, but they must work together, especially to slow down the intense offensive duo of the Suns, Booker and Beal.
Evaluating Chances of Covering Spread/Win Days
The Suns’ offensive unit, which was already decent last season, looks to be revitalized under new management. Currently, they are averaging 113.2 points per game, with a 46.6% shooting percentage and 37.6% from the three-point line. Five different players reached double figures, with Kevin Durant leading the team in scoring with 26.8 points per game. Devin Booker is just behind with 24.7 points per game, while Tyus Jones takes care of running the game averaging 7.2 assists. This resurgent offense will be tested against the Spurs’ defense, but the spacing and scoring options with Durant, Beal and Booker should present a great challenge to their opponents.
Read more:
Lakers delay Jarred Vanderbilt’s return due to knee complications
Defensively, the Suns have held their own this season, giving up 113.9 points per game with a 47% passing percentage. Their outside defense showed weaknesses, with opponents shooting 37.2 percent from distance. Jusuf Nurkic played a key role in the paint averaging 9.9 rebounds, but due to his absence in this game, Durant should be more involved as he is the team leader with 6.9 rebounds per game. Additionally, Durant is the team’s best blocker at 1.6 per game, and with three other players averaging at least one steal per game, the Suns’ defense, while inconsistent at times, will aim to raising the challenge against Spurs.
Read more:
LeBron James Addresses His Shooting Struggles After Missing Nine Three-Point Attempts
Final Predictions and Picks for Spurs vs. Days
With solid play leading up to this clash, Spurs have found their rhythm, winning five of their last six games. On the other hand, the Suns are coming off a tough stretch and are considered the more talented team entering this game. In the end, this matchup will come down to which team can maintain their strength, and the Suns appear to be the more reliable option here. Expect to see Durant, Beal and Booker lead Phoenix to victory and close the gap in a heated battle.