NBA Opening Night Best Bets and Bold Predictions: Suns vs. Warriors
The Warriors host the Suns on Tuesday in a budding rivalry game between two Western Conference contenders.
Kevin Durant has not played in the Bay Area since he left Golden State in the summer of 2019 and Chris Paul gets a crack at Phoenix, which traded him to the Wizards for Bradley Beal this past summer. Paul was later dealt to the Warriors, which set up a season-opening revenge game against his old club after he joined up with his one-time rivals.
The Suns won the season series 3–1 a season ago and enter a new campaign as the favorites to win the Pacific Division and co-favorites to come out the West.
Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors Odds
Spread: Suns +1.5 (-118) | Warriors -1.5 (-105)
Moneyline: PHX (-110) | GSW (-118)
Total: 232.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Game Info: Tuesday, October 24 | 10:30 p.m. ET | TNT
Golden State was a way better team last year at the Chase Center, where it went 33–8, compared to its 11–30 road record. The season-long splits were startling and the Warriors’ one win over Phoenix did come in San Francisco thanks to 61 combined points from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Durant missed that game but the Suns were 8–0 with him active in the regular season and he and Devin Booker made for a fearsome duo during the playoffs.
Both teams underwent big changes in the summer, which should make for an interesting matchup. Paul’s presence could open up more quality looks for Curry and Thompson while his absence in Phoenix leaves playmaking questions for Beal and Booker, both of whom have primarily played shooting guard throughout their careers.
Thompson has only eclipsed 20 points in a season opener once in his career and Booker outscored Curry in two of the three games both were active last year.
Best Bet: Klay Thomspon Under 20.5 Points (-118)
Bold Prediction: Devin Booker Outscores Stephen Curry
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