Line: Phoenix Suns by 8 points. Oddsmakers are giving Phoenix a lot of credit in this one. Denver destroyed Phoenix in their last meeting, and Pheonix hasn't been consistent in the past 10 games. At the same time, Denver has got to be emotionally tired from a couple of heartbreaking losses in Toronto and Detroit. The line still looks to high, though. We'll take Denver and the points. (But hope Phoenix wins).
Preview: We're going to start calling ourselves 'The Oracle'. We said yesterday that all it would take is for one or two Warriors to get hot, and Richardson goes for a season high. This is starting to become an ugly trend – Bibby, then Jackson both go for season highs against the Suns. Tonight, it could be JR Smith, AI OR Melo.
Denver has lost 4 their last 5 games, and Phoenix is only 6-4 over it's last 10 games. Combine that with the pressure on both teams – Denver to keep itself in the playoffs, and Phoenix to hold off a San Antonio team that's playing very well. This is a must-win for both teams. We think this will have a play-off like atmosphere.
Look for a close, intense game, with a lot of points and not a lot of defense. The team with the higher shooting % wins, period.
Key Matchups:
- Shawn Marion on Carmelo Anthony. Marion is a very quick, long defender, but Melo's strength may be a problem.
- Nene on Amare Stoudemire. Both are lightening quick, very strong inside players. Nene has been a beast the past 5 games, so this will be the best matchup of the game.
- Who guards AI? Way too quick for Nash, look for Marcus Banks to get some playing time if AI gets hot, especially after his great defensive effort in the second half against Baron Davis last night.
This is going to be a great, great game, one we've been looking forward to all week.
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