The Phoenix Suns (29-26) visit the Brooklyn Nets (32-21) on Tuesday night. The action begins at 7:30 pm ET. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Suns-Nets prediction, pick and how to watch.
Phoenix has won four of its last five games and sits sixth in the Western Conference. The Suns covered 55% of their games, while 52% fell short of their projected point total. Brooklyn has lost two of its last three games but remains fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Nets covered 52% of their games while 54% dunked. This will be the second and last meeting between the enemies of the crusading conference. Phoenix took the first game at home, 117-112.
Here are the NBA Suns-Nets odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Suns vs. Nets Odds
Phoenix Suns: -5.5 (-105)
Brooklyn Nets: +5.5 (-115)
Plus: 224.5 (-110)
Less: 224.5 (-110)
How to watch Suns vs. Nets
TV: TNT, YES
Broadcast: TNT live
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE on fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why Suns Could Cover the Spread
Phoenix has turned things around after a slump in early January and has remarkably won eight of its last ten games. The Suns have a strong defense that allows just 111.3 PPG, fifth fewest in the NBA. On the offensive end, Phoenix does a great job sharing the ball and finding open shooters. The Suns rank third in assists (27.1 APG) and third in three-point shooting percentage (39%). While the Nets have strong defense, they allow the third-highest 3-point percentage in the league. As a result, the Suns should see a lot of success beyond the arc tonight and therefore have a great chance to cover despite being heavy favorites on the road.
During their ten-game hot streak, the Suns have relied on their younger starters to step up in Devin Booker’s continued absence. Forward Mikal Bridges has led the charge, averaging 23.4 points per game over that stretch. Best known for his stifling perimeter defense, Bridges has risen to the occasion with Phoenix desperate for offense. He shot 48% during that stretch while making two 3-pointers per game. Big man Deandre Ayton has been just as impressive averaging 21.9 PPG and 12.9 RPG in his last ten games. Ayton is a polished finisher around the rim, maintaining a 56% field goal percentage during that stretch. His rebounding could prove especially impactful tonight, as the Nets rank near the bottom of the league in rebounding.
As good as Bridges and Ayton have been, the return of Chris Paul and Cam Johnson has been just as impressive. Both players missed significant time with injuries, but have been rock-solid in their comebacks. In his last ten games, Paul averaged 16 PPG and 9.6 APG. Despite his age, CP3 is still one of the best floor generals in the league and his presence gives the Suns a huge boost on the offensive end. While Johnson has averaged just 14.8 PPG during that stretch, his 2.6 3-pointers per game does wonders for his space. A 45% 3-point shooter this season, Johnson can’t be left alone beyond the arc and should see plenty of open eyes against a depleted Nets roster.
Why networks could cover the spread
Brooklyn continues to change after the Kyrie Irving trade. While it’s unclear if newly acquired Spencer Dinwiddie or Dorian Finney-Smith will make their Brooklyn debut tonight, the Nets should be confident in their ability to cover after their last two games. They defeated the Wizards on Saturday before losing a close game to the Clippers last night.
The star of the show in his last two games has been second-year guard Cam Thomas. A late first-round pick last year, Thomas’ playing time has fluctuated throughout his first two seasons. That said, Thomas has taken off since he’s gotten more consistent playing time. In his last four games, Thomas averaged 32.8 PPG on 57% shooting. That is very inflated by the last two games of him. Thomas became the second-youngest player in NBA history to record consecutive 40-point games after scoring 44 and then 47 points. While he surely can’t be expected to go down 40 again tonight, Thomas has certainly shown that he belongs in the rotation. His hot game is reason enough to pick Brooklyn to keep things tight tonight.
The X factor for Brooklyn tonight has to be the big man Nic Claxton. Claxton, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, is the quintessential center who runs to the rim. For the season, Claxton is averaging 13.1 PPG and 9.1 RPG. However, his most impactful moments come on the defensive end, as he is averaging 2.6 blocks and 0.7 steals per game.
Suns-Nets Final Pick and Prediction
Despite Brooklyn’s inspiring performances in their last two games, I don’t see them keeping things close against the red-hot Suns.
Suns-Nets final pick and prediction: Phoenix Suns -5.5 (-105)
