The San Antonio Spurs (23-29) and Phoenix Suns (26-28) will meet for a game on the campus of the University of Texas tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Moody Center in Austin. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Suns are 2.5-point favorites over the Spurs on the spread, with the over/under set at 238 total points. Phoenix is a -148 favorite to win outright, while Spurs is +124 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Suns vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, February 20.
Suns vs Spurs Prediction
Spread
This line likely reflects the potential absence of Spurs All-Star center Victor Wembanyama due to illness. As a result, I see no value in the current number and prefer to pass on the spread altogether.
Moneyline
Generally, I'd be looking to take a shot with San Antonio as a short underdog. However, the Spurs' chances of winning are significantly diminished without Wembanyama. Moreover, they enter this matchup in poor form, with just three wins in their last 10 games.
Over/Under
The total does offer plenty of intrigue, considering it's as high as 238 after opening at 230.5. Such a line move feels a bit aggressive, given the injury report, the lengthy All-Star break and a Suns team that's more than capable of controlling the pace of the game on the road.
My Pick: Under 238
Suns vs Spurs Odds, Picks, Lines
| Suns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 238 -110o / -110u | -148 |
| Spurs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 238 -110o / -110u | +124 |
- Suns vs. Spurs spread: Suns -2.5
- Suns vs. Spurs over/under: 238 total points
- Suns vs. Spurs moneyline: Suns -148, Spurs +124
- Suns vs. Spurs best bet:Under 238 (-110)
Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs Preview
With All-Star Weekend now behind us, we can finally return to some meaningful action on the court. The NBA will now begin its mad dash to wrap up the regular season, which concludes on April 13.
While three teams have just 26 games remaining on the schedule, San Antonio is the only one with 30 games still to play after its January matchup against the Lakers was postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
The period after the All-Star break always tends to have a completely different feel, perhaps because teams can finally see the finish line for the first time during an arduous 82-game campaign.
Moreover, this is the time of year when you want to play your best basketball if you have any legitimate postseason aspirations.
The Suns and Spurs currently find themselves outside the playoff picture, let alone the play-in tournament. However, I don't expect either team to throw in the towel just yet.
San Antonio was aggressive ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring De'Aaron Fox from the Kings as part of a three-team trade. Considering that Fox has only played five games with the Spurs, it wouldn't be a stretch to say they're still in the early stages of figuring things out.
And while the All-Star break might have allowed for some extra practice sessions, the lack of game repetition could impact their sharpness on the court.
Things could also feel more disjointed for Fox if his new running mate, Wembanyama, has to miss the game due to illness.
Given the opponent, it's unlikely we'll see a fast-paced game with the Suns involved. Phoenix ranks 22nd in tempo, averaging 98.65 possessions per game.
The Suns' home (98.68) and away (98.61) splits are almost identical, which suggests they do a good job of imposing their style of play on the road.
Although the over is 27-25-2 in Phoenix's games this season, the average total is 228.1. However, when facing a total of 237 or more points, the under is a perfect 4-0 this season.
After making a strong case for this game to finish below the total, I'll look to parlay the under with San Antonio's Julian Champagnie to record over 3.5 rebounds + assists.
Champagnie is clearly more comfortable at home as a role player, having exceeded this projection in 15 of his last 19 games at the Frost Bank Center.
Moreover, it could be all hands on deck for the Spurs if Wembanyama doesn't play.
It's worth noting that Champagnie also hit this mark in each of the last five games Wembanyama sat out.
Parlaying both legs would give us a nice boost on our odds at +210.
Suns vs Spurs Best Bet
- Under 238 (-110)
Suns vs Spurs Parlay Picks
- Under 238
- Julian Champagnie Over 3.5 Rebounds + Assists
Parlay Payout: +210
Spurs vs. Suns Betting Trends
