The Phoenix Suns (9-18) will have their hands full against the NBA’s top scoring defense when they clash with the San Antonio Spurs (18-8) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
San Antonio opened as an 8.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 205 points.
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns Free Prediction
The last time the Spurs played, they defeated the Boston Celtics, 105-102. The Spurs made 21 of their 24 free throws (87.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 24.2). San Antonio was led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who led the team in scoring with 27 points on 11-for-20 shooting.
The Suns were beaten by the Washington Wizards in their last matchup, 109-99. Washington’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix. The Wizards had a rate of 9.8 (better than their season average of 12.3), while the Suns posted a mark of 12.6. With 23 points on 9-for-20 shooting, T.J. Warren was Phoenix’s high scorer.
Phoenix might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the league’s best defenses. San Antonio currently ranks fourth in defensive efficiency, while the Suns rank 24th in offensive efficiency.
San Antonio heads into the contest with records of 18-8 straight up (SU) and 13-10-2 against the spread (ATS). Spurs games have a tendency to finish under the projected point total (60.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 9-18 SU and 12-14-1 ATS. Contrary to San Antonio, Suns games have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (59.3 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Aldridge scored a game-high 21 points in the first matchup, in which the Spurs defeated the Suns 112-95, covering as 9.5-point favorites. He also recorded nine rebounds. The game finished with a total of 207 points, which was just 4.5 points below the projected point total of 211.5 points. San Antonio had a much better turnover percentage (8.6 vs. 16.6). Phoenix, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.9 vs. 19.0).
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
San Antonio is 4-6-1 ATS on the road with 9 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 4-10 ATS at home with 7 overs and 7 unders.
When allowing less than 100 points, Phoenix is 2-1 and San Antonio is 11-4.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Suns are 8-11 and the Spurs are 13-0.
San Antonio ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (10.0) while Phoenix ranks 25th (13.5).
The Spurs rank second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while the Suns rank 24th (5.2).
San Antonio ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (40.9) while Phoenix ranks 26th (45.9).
The Spurs rank 10th in assists per game (23.0) while the Suns rank 28th (20.3).
Phoenix ranks fifth in points in the paint per game (47.6) while San Antonio ranks 22nd (40.9).
The Spurs rank 12th in steals allowed per game (7.8) while the Suns rank 28th (9.0).
San Antonio ranks 14th in fast break points allowed per game (10.9) while Phoenix ranks 29th (14.1).
The Spurs rank 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5) while the Suns rank 27th (19.8).
San Antonio ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.0) while Phoenix ranks 14th (28.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, San Antonio is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Spurs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.6 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
