The San Antonio Spurs (26-13) welcome the Phoenix Suns (15-25) to AT&T Center as they look to continue their 12-game home winning streak. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 5, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
San Antonio opened as a 12.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 210.5 points.
Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs ATS Prediction
The Suns are trying to rebound after their 134-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last game. Denver’s 0.695 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.495. The Nuggets’ mark was above their season average of 0.526. Greg Monroe had a good outing for Phoenix, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Spurs’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-106. One of Philadelphia’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 43 free throw attempts, while San Antonio had just 23. San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds in the game.
San Antonio could dominate on defense as they face off against one of the worst offenses in the NBA. The Spurs currently rank fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.505), while Phoenix is 29th in effective field goal percentage (0.495). It will also be a tale of two paces as the up-and-down Suns rank third in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Spurs rank 29th.
Phoenix heads into the game with records of 15-25 straight up (SU) and 19-19-2 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Suns’ games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is 26-13 SU and 20-17-2 ATS. Vegas is known to set the total high when the Spurs are involved, as 56.4 percent of their games have gone under the total.
Marquese Chriss has averaged 12.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over the last five games for Phoenix.
The Spurs have emerged victorious in both games against the Suns this year, escaping with a narrow three-point victory the last time these teams met. San Antonio was unable to cover as a 4.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 205 points, hitting the projected point total. San Antonio had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.5 vs. 22.7). Phoenix, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-30; 80.0 percent). Mike James was the top overall scorer in the game with 25 points.
Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Phoenix is 11-7-1 ATS on the road with 11 overs and 8 unders.
San Antonio is 13-5-1 ATS at home with 11 overs and 8 unders.
San Antonio is 17-6 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Phoenix is 5-2.
The Spurs are 19-2 when they score above 100 points, while the Suns are 11-16.
San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.7) while Phoenix ranks 25th (5.4).
The Spurs rank seventh in second chance points allowed per game (11.5) while the Suns rank 27th (14.0).
San Antonio ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while Phoenix ranks 26th (45.2).
The Spurs rank 11th in points allowed in the paint per game (42.4) while the Suns rank 29th (48.6).
San Antonio ranks 12th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.7) while Phoenix ranks 27th (18.8).
The Spurs rank 14th in fast break points allowed per game (10.7) while the Suns rank 28th (13.9).
San Antonio ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (7.8) while Phoenix ranks 25th (8.7).
The Spurs rank 21st in assists per game (21.8) while the Suns rank 29th (20.6).
San Antonio ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.1) while Phoenix ranks 11th (27.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
San Antonio is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 6.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spurs have scored an average of 102.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 100.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
