The Phoenix Suns enter this game with the Nets having already won 15 games in a row, showing no signs of slowing down. The onus is going to fall to Kevin Durant and James Harden to try and help their guys stop the 2021 NBA runner-up from beating every team in the league.
This promises to be an exciting matchup between teams ready to try and dominate the other. Each one has a goal of making it to the title, though the path in front of them will not be an easy one. This one will feature Jevon Carter and Landry Shamet, traded for one another in the offseason, each coming back to face their previous team for the first time.
Look for the stars to be out and the TV ratings to be through the roof for what promises to be an epic battle.
Betting Odds & Lines
The spread for Saturday night is set at BKN -2.5. The over/under is sitting at 222.5 points. The PHX moneyline is +112, while it’s -135 for BKN.
Suns Aiming for 16th Straight
15 wins in a row and showing no signs of slowing down, the Suns have mimicked what the Utah Jazz did in the early stages of last season. They were very meh during the first week, going 1-3, whereas Utah went 2-2 in their first four during the 2020-21 year. The Jazz went on to win over 20 in a row after that, while we now see Phoenix sitting pretty with just three losses and none since their fourth game.
Between Devin Booker and Chris Paul, there is no shortage of star power. They were able to hold it down during DeAndre Ayton’s lengthy absence, getting strong efforts from both Frank Kaminsky III and JaVale McGee at the center position. Cameron Payne has been on a tear while the defense has been locked in.
Watch out for them. Brooklyn may struggle to keep them from running the score up.
Nets Aim for Fifteenth Win
A great start has been just what the Nets needed, going 14-5. Doing all of this without having Kyrie Irving available to play has made it even more impressive. If he is able to actually step on the court at any point this season, the team may become unstoppable. The supporting cast is still finding its footing, but they have been playing well on the defensive end.
DeAndre Bembry and James Johnson have added very little value to the offense but have done wonders for the team’s D. And LaMarcus Aldridge has looked like a legitimate sixth man of the year candidate with how his year has begun. Oh, how lucky they were he was able to come out of retirement.
This is a team that leans heavily on its stars, especially as guys like Bruce Brown and Joe Harris remain out of the lineup. But, look for Cam Thomas, among others, to step up. Patty Mills has also been a godsend, scoring early and often having a career year.
Suns Keep It Rolling
This is the Suns’ biggest test during their winning streak, no doubt about it. And just like the previous 15 teams, the Nets will not have their way. Phoenix has the defensive capabilities to stifle any team and take them out of the system. They have closers, too.
Paul and DBook will be ready to outshine KD and Harden when push comes to shove. Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder are ready to bring all of the toughness out. The Suns will be 16-3 when all is said and done. Book it.
Betting Picks: Suns +2.5, Under 222.5 Points
