Phoenix (24-22) at Golden State (24-23)
- When: Jan 31 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, two teams rumored to be in the mix for Jimmy Butler, will face off in San Francisco on Friday night, both looking to prove they have what it takes to make a deep playoff push without adding another star. With Phoenix sitting in ninth place and Golden State just one loss behind in 11th, this game carries serious weight in the Western Conference standings.
Phoenix had built momentum with three straight wins before falling 121-113 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Kevin Durant poured in 33 points, while Devin Booker added 28, but the Suns couldn’t keep up with Minnesota’s depth. One encouraging sign was Bradley Beal’s 17 points off the bench, showing he can still be a factor as Phoenix evaluates whether to keep him or use his $50.2 million contract in a potential trade.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer opted to start Royce O’Neale over Beal following Ryan Dunn’s ankle injury, a move that raised some eyebrows. But with the trade deadline looming, he knows decisions like these come with the territory. Beal, however, didn’t seem fazed, shooting 6-for-10 with six assists in limited minutes.
On the other side, Andrew Wiggins has been playing his best basketball of the season, making him either a more valuable trade asset or an essential piece for Golden State’s playoff push. The former All-Star has averaged 21.6 points over his last five games and led the Warriors with 27 points in their 116-109 victory over Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Like Beal, Wiggins has been a popular name in trade rumors due to his $26.3 million contract, but he remains locked in on helping Golden State turn things around.
The Suns and Warriors have split their two previous meetings this season. Phoenix won 113-105 at home in November behind 27 points from Booker and 21 from Durant, while Golden State answered with a 109-105 win in December, fueled by Jonathan Kuminga’s career-high 34 points and Beal’s 28-point effort.
With Phoenix favored by just 1.5 points and the total set at 228, this game is expected to be a close, high-scoring battle.
Best Bets & Predictions
Phoenix Suns -1.5 (Phoenix has been more consistent and has the edge in offensive firepower.)
Over 228 (Both teams have elite scorers, and their past matchups have been fast-paced.)
Kevin Durant Over 25.5 Points (Durant has topped 30 points in three of his last four games and will be a focal point against Golden State’s defense.)
Andrew Wiggins Over 19.5 Points (Wiggins has been the Warriors’ top scorer in recent games and should continue to be aggressive.)
Bradley Beal Over 3.5 Assists (Beal has embraced his role as a playmaker off the bench and should get plenty of opportunities to create for teammates.)
Phoenix has been the more complete team recently and should take advantage of Golden State’s defensive lapses. Expect the Suns to cover the spread while both teams push the total over in what should be another competitive battle between these division rivals.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
