The Golden State Warriors are looking to halt their current three-game losing streak as they prepare to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, March 15, 2024, at 20:30 EST in San Francisco. The Warriors, who hold a record of 13 wins and 15 losses, sit ninth in the Western Conference standings. In contrast, the Suns have a record of 15 wins and 12 losses, placing them seventh in the same conference.
In their recent performances, Golden State has shown some resilience against division rivals, managing a 3-2 record in those matchups. Yet, the Warriors have struggled in close games, posting a 1-2 record in one-possession contests. The Suns, on the other hand, have performed better against Western Conference opponents, with a 14-11 record.
The defensive prowess of Phoenix has been notable this season, as they rank eighth in the NBA by allowing only an average of 113.9 points per game. The Suns are also effective in limiting opponents’ shooting, holding them to a 47.6% success rate. This is slightly better than the Warriors, who average 113.8 points per game, just shy of the Suns’ defensive numbers.
Recent Matchups and Key Players
This will be the third encounter between the two teams this season, with Phoenix narrowly winning the previous game 99-98 on December 19. In that matchup, Devin Booker led the Suns with 25 points, while Jimmy Butler III stood out for Golden State, scoring 31 points.
Looking at individual performances, Butler has been averaging 19.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Additionally, Gui Santos has made an impact with an average of 2.0 three-pointers over the last ten games. For the Suns, Booker’s scoring average is impressive at 25.1 points per game, supplemented by 4.3 rebounds.
As for recent team statistics, the Warriors have a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 111.9 points and shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.7 points. The Suns, also at 4-6, have averaged 106.8 points, shooting slightly better at 44.8%, though they have conceded 114.9 points per game to their opponents.
Injury Updates and Game Outlook
In terms of injuries, the Warriors will be without Al Horford due to a back issue, while Seth Curry and Pat Spencer are both listed as day-to-day. The Suns have their own injury concerns, with Isaiah Livers and Grayson Allen also day-to-day, while Jalen Green is confirmed out with a hamstring injury.
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the Warriors are keen to break their losing streak and regain momentum, while the Suns aim to solidify their position in the playoff race. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Western Conference.
