Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs: Keys to Game and Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs (10-3) take on the Phoenix Suns (7-6) on Monday night in what should be an exciting game at the AT&T Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30pm ET and will be televised on FSSW. The Spurs will be without LaMarcus Aldridge for the second straight game, as he has a sprained left ankle. Eric Bledsoe is out with a knee injury. San Antonio has won their six games at home this season, 15 straight dating back to last season.
What are some keys to a Spurs win, and who will win the game?
-No LaMarcus Aldridge
The Spurs don’t have Aldridge which means they will have to feed Tim Duncan. Duncan is averaging 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 27 minutes this season. If the Spurs want to win Duncan will have to have a big performance against a scary Suns team.
–Contain Brandon Knight
The Suns backcourt of Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe is elite. Knight is averaging 21.7 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds this season. While Bledsoe is averaging 23.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. Unfortunately Bledsoe is out for the contest, which means Knight will have to carry the load. Tony Parker have his hands full. Don’t be surprised if Ray McCallum earns some minutes today.
–Control Pace
The Suns love to run as much as anyone. Phoenix is third in the league in points with 106.5 points a game. With Bledsoe out the Suns aren’t likely to blow up the scoreboard. Pay attention to T.J. Warren, who is capable of going for 20 points if he gets the minutes.
Prediction:
29. 101. 66. . 109
The Phoenix Suns play at an incredibly fast tempo, which can give the Spurs some trouble. At the end of the day the Spurs are the better team and are home. With Aldridge out the Spurs won’t have the depth they usually have, with David West starting. Kawhi Leonard will have a big night in a good Spurs victory.