Expect a fast-paced game when the Washington Wizards (36-39) travel to Phoenix to play the Suns (20-55). The game begins at 10:30 pm ET on Friday, Apr. 1 and will air on FAZ and WA2.
The Suns were beaten by the Bucks 105-94 on Wednesday. P.J. Tucker recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, earning his fourth double-double of the year. The Wizards, meanwhile, are coming off a 120-111 loss against the Kings on Wednesday. Otto Porter played well for Washington, accounting for 20 points, four assists, and one rebound.
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in a game that features two of the league’s more up-tempo teams. Phoenix is ranked fourth in the NBA in possessions per game (100.5), while Washington is fifth (100.4).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Wizards winning the first matchup 109-106. Bradley Beal was the game’s top overall scorer with 34 points.
The Suns come into this game 20-55 Straight Up (SU) and 31-44 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 20-55 SU and 31-44 ATS against the Eastern Conference. The most recent ten-game stretch for the Suns has gone great. Over that span, Phoenix is averaging 109.2 points per game, well over their season average of 100.5.
Across the court, Washington has a SU record of 36-39 and an ATS record of 38-36-1. Washington has records of 36-39 SU and 38-36-1 ATS against the West. The Wizards are an unselfish team with an average of 24.2 assists per game, ranking fifth in the NBA. Washington may be taking trips to the free throw line early and often with the Suns averaging a league-high 23.2 fouls per game.
The Wizards’ win over Phoenix in their last clash couldn’t give them the edge in the head-to-head record over the past 10 meetings, where the Suns still lead 6-4 SU. Additionally, the Suns lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was
Notes
Washington ranks 10th in points per game with 103.4, while Phoenix ranks 29th in points allowed with an average of 107.8 given up.
Phoenix ranks 27th in points allowed per home game (106.0 PPG), while Washington ranks 13th in points per away game with 101.4.
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Washington Wizards are a stellar 24-5. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Phoenix Suns have an abysmal record of 2-35.
Washington is a subpar 12-34 when it allows 100 or more points. Phoenix has an 18-20 record when it hits triple digits.
The Suns have a defensive rating of 108.3 (ranked 28th), while the Wizards rank 22nd for their offensive rating of 103.0.
Phoenix has an average field goal percentage of 43.5%. Washington is a losing 17-35 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
On average, the Phoenix Suns attempt 25.0 three point field goals per game and the Washington Wizards attempt 24.0 per game. In games where they attempt at least 25 threes, Phoenix has a poor record of 12-33, while Washington is 18-16.
Phoenix has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.26 this season (ranked 30th). Washington ranks higher with an A/TO of 1.74 (ranked ninth).
The Washington Wizards are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league with just 41.3 per game. Ranked 11th, the Phoenix Suns average 44.2 rebounds.
The Washington Wizards rank 29th in offensive rebounding, while the Phoenix Suns rank 21st in defensive rebounding.
Washington is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.7% (ranked second). Phoenix has a losing record of 13-30 SU this season when its TOV% reaches 15.7% or greater.
