San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns Game Preview

The San Antonio Spurs will look to improve to 2-0 on Friday with a game against the Phoenix Suns. The game marks the Spurs’ first road game of the regular season.The game will be at 9 p.m. CT on television on KENS HD and on radio on WOAI 1200 AM.

How will San Antonio fare against Phoenix? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key marchups to predict the outcome of the game!

Recent Games

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs head into tonight’s matchup versus the Phoenix Suns coming off a 101-100 win against the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs rallied in the second half to pick up the win, trailing the Mavericks by eight at the half.

The opening night win against Dallas, which included the raising of the banner and handing out championship rings, moved San Antonio to 5-0 all-time on ring night. The Spurs will be looking to make it two in a row tonight with a win.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenicx Suns come into this game following a 119-99 blowout victory versus the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns completely dominated the Lakers in nearly every facet of the game, out-rebounding, out-assisting, and out-scoring Los Angeles in the paint.

Phoenix also had a chance to display their new guard Isaiah Thomas in the home opener. Thomas came off the bench to score 23 points for the Suns on a scorching 9-of-11 shooting from the field.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

Tiago Splitter, Center – Splitter injured his right calf during training camp and has not made enough progress for the Spurs to put him back on the court. Look for Boris Diaw or Matt Bonner to serve as replacement.

Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his minutes to go to Cory Joseph.

Phoenix Suns

T.J. Warren, Small Forward – Warren fractured his thumb in the Suns final preseason game. He was at the bottom of the rotation so his absence won’t affect Phoenix’s game plan too much.

P.J. Tucker, Small Forward – Tucker is serving a three game suspension for a DWI he received before the season began. Look for his minutes to head the Morris twins way, maybe even Gerald Green’s way.

Key Matchups

The point guard battle will definitely be something to watch for. Tony Parker and Eric Bledsoe are considered two of the better point guards in the NBA and both play with a competitive fire. The Suns have some great guard play so the overall matchup between San Antonio and Phoenix’s backcourt will be something to keep your eye on.

Prediction

San Antonio escaped their first game thanks to a nice second half rally. This game won’t be as forgiving for the Spurs. Phoenix’s guard strength will overpower San Antonio in this one. A tired Tony Parker will hurt ball movement, allowing the Suns to capitalize.

Although I’m picking this one to go to the Suns it does not mean the game will not be close. Look for tightly contested matchup through the first three quarters with Suns opening a gap in the fourth.

Check out the score prediction below!

Next: Is Tony Parker, Corner 3 Specialist, Here to Stay?