NBA: Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Brooklyn Nets visit the Phoenix Suns tonight, arguably the most interesting matchup this Tuesday. The Nets aren’t playing anywhere near the expected level, and they are slowly falling in the East standings. Since KD suffered an injury, this team has delivered mediocre results, and we can say that they aren’t title contenders anymore. Meanwhile, the Suns are keeping their high pace, currently being the only team in the NBA with a single-digit number of defeats. Chris Paul and Devin Booker are terrorizing the rival’s defenses and for the moment, there isn’t any cure for these two fellas.

Preview

Brooklyn Nets (29-20, +260) have four consecutive losses, two at home against the Lakers and the Nuggets and two on the road, in Minneapolis and the latest one in San Francisco, 110-106. This negative skid is mostly because of KD’s and Harden’s health issues, whereas Durant isn’t playing, while Harden isn’t 100% ready. That’s why Steve Nash didn’t want to activate him in San Francisco.

Everything came down on Kyrie in that one, and Uncle Drew delivered 34 points with seven boards and assists as well, all that in 39 minutes. Patty Mills scored 24 points, six threes, while James Johnson came off the bench to add 14 points.

Overall, the Nets were close, but a poor shooting percentage, 39.8% was the key to the loss. GSW had 40.8% FG, meaning that the defense did its part of the job, yet the problems were across the court.

Phoenix Suns (40-9, -333) have ten wins in a row, three of the previous four at home. After beating the Minnesota timberwolves in one gunfight, 134-124, Monty William’s crew had to dig deep in order to take down the San Antonio Spurs. That game ended with 115-110 for the hosts.

Once again, Chris Paul had his show, dropping 19 assists to his teammates. CP3 had 20 points with eight boards as well, and we can say that it is a pity he didn’t reach a triple-double.

Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges were in the mood for scoring, combining for 54 points, Booker 28 and Bridges 26. By the way, D-Book didn’t have a single free throw in this event. Bismack Biyombo added another double-double to his account, having 10 points and 11 boards, six on the offense.

Head to Head Games

The first meeting of the year was in Brooklyn on November 27. Back then, the Suns went home with a 113-107 win. Booker had 30 points, while Paul added 22 and eight boards, five assists. Kevin Durant was unstoppable on the other side with 39 buckets, nine boards, and seven assists. Bembry and Aldridge had 18 points each, while Harden posted a triple-double, 12 points, 14 assists, 13 rebounds.

Prediction

The Nets are coming without KD and Harris, probably without the Beard, while Aldridge is questionable. On the other side, Ayton and Crowder are out, but we’ve seen the Suns rolling over their opponent without these two. So our pick here would be the hosts to win and to cover a 7.5-point spread which is offered by the majority of the bookies. The odds on that are -110.

Pick: Suns -7.5

Here is the preview for the Wizards vs. Bucks game.