San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns: Predictions, Key Matchups, Injuries, and More

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The San Antonio Spurs look to extend their win streak to two games on Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT and will be televised on KENS and NBA TV. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.

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

Recent Games

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs head into this game looking to build on their 107-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings the night before. The Spurs trailed by 10 early against the Kings but were resilient, overcoming the deficit in the second quarter and going on to win.

Overall, San Antonio as been struggling. Before their win over Sacramento, the Spurs had lost four games in a row. The rodeo road trip is normally a time when San Antonio builds momentum, however, this season that has not been the case with the Spurs currently sitting at 3-5 on the nine game road trip.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns come into this looking to increase their current two game win streak to three when they take on the Spurs tonight.

The Suns are in desperate need of some momentum as they have had a horrible February, going 3-7 in the month up to this point. Those seven losses also include a five game losing streak during this month, one which has pushed Phoenix out of a playoff spot.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

No significant injuries for the San Antonio Spurs.

Phoenix Suns

Marcus Thornton, Shooting Guard – Thornton has been cleared to play following injury but has only made one appearance for the Suns after being traded. Look for Eric Bledose and Gerald Green to continue to be the main beneficiary of minutes at the two-guard as long as Thornton is not playing.

Key Matchups

The Suns might have traded away two of their talented guards but don’t allow that to let you think that Phoenix is talent deficient in the backcourt. Phoenix still has two very talented guards in Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight, which will be the focus of the Spurs coaching staff. In particular, look for the match-up between Tony Parker and Brandon Knight tonight. This is the first time Knight will face Parker as a member of the Suns and it figures to be great match-up to watch, especially given the season the former Milwaukee Bucks guard is having.

PG. San Antonio Spurs. TONY PARKER. PG. Tony Parker is looking to help the Spurs build on momentum following their win over the Sacramento Kings last night. Parker played excellent for San Antonio in the win, posting 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Although it was a great night for the French guard, Parker has been very inconsistent on the Spurs rodeo road trip, having nights ranging from 21 points and 13 assists to two points and four turnovers. Parker struggled the last time he was matched-up against Knight, but that is okay as Knight had an off night as well when the two players matched-up. With the large talent in the Suns backcourt, it will be up to Parker to establish himself early if San Antonio is to come away with the win.

PG. Phoenix Suns. BRANDON KNIGHT. PG. Brandon Knight has not missed a beat since being traded to the Phoenix Suns around the trade deadline. Knight is having a career year in rebounding, assists, and steals, posting career high averages in all those categories this season. Come Saturday night though, revenge will be what is on Knight’s mind. The former Kentucky guard struggled against the Spurs when he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season, scoring only 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting. To make matters worse, the Bucks ended up losing that game, definitely leaving a salty taste in the young Suns guard. Look for an aggressive Knight tonight when the Suns take on the Spurs, Phoenix will need it if they are to win.

Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs have struggled recently, and if you are a Spurs fan, expect those struggles to continue tonight against the Phoenix Suns.

It has been a long road trip for San Antonio, one which they have not been able to establish momentum. Expect fatigue to be a major issue for the Spurs tonight which puts San Antonio behind early. Phoenix, with its high-octane offense, will pounce on a tired San Antonio team and use that early lead to their advantage as they pick up the win.

66. . 86. 29. 102

Next: Spurs Player Grades in Win Over Kings