The Phoenix Suns (1-5) will try to snap their five-game losing streak when they clash with the San Antonio Spurs (4-2) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
Although the Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks in their last outing, 113-108, they failed to cover as 7-point favorites. The game’s total points (221) came in over the O/U total of 213. One of San Antonio’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-21 (95.2 percent), while the Mavericks were 12-17 (70.6 percent). With 34 points on 12-for-21 shooting, DeMar DeRozan was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Suns played, they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 117-110, but did cover as 13.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (227) came in over the projected point total of 219. Oklahoma City’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix. The Thunder had a rate of 13.0 (worse than their season average of 12.1), while the Suns posted a mark of 18.4 (above the 13.5 mark opponents have averaged against Oklahoma City this season). With 16 points and 11 rebounds, Deandre Ayton put together a solid performance for Phoenix.
Phoenix might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NBA’s best defenses. San Antonio ranks fourth in defensive efficiency, while the Suns rank 30th in offensive efficiency since last season. The Spurs should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 4th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while the Suns have forced the second-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 12.7 percent).
San Antonio holds records of 4-2 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Spurs’ 6 games, five have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 1-5 SU and 2-4 ATS. Similarly to San Antonio, Suns games also have typically gone over the total (66.7 percent).
The Spurs won all four games against the Suns last season. In the last contest, San Antonio won 129-81. The Spurs made 21 of their 27 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.581 vs. 0.356).
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
San Antonio is 33-11 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Phoenix is 8-2.
The Suns are 17-39 when they score more than 100 points, while the Spurs are 41-16.
San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Phoenix ranks 29th (5.8).
The Spurs rank seventh in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while the Suns rank last (19.0).
Phoenix ranks seventh in fast break points per game (14.1) while San Antonio ranks 25th (9.9).
The Spurs rank 13th in steals allowed per game (7.5) while the Suns rank last (8.9).
San Antonio ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (43.0) while Phoenix ranks 27th (45.7).
The Spurs rank 13th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.1) while the Suns rank 26th (47.8).
San Antonio averages 13.1 second chance points per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Phoenix ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
The Spurs rank third in three pointers allowed per game (26.7) while the Suns rank 13th (29.3).
San Antonio ranks 17th in assists per game (22.7) while Phoenix ranks 27th (21.6).
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