Suns vs. Warriors: Can Either Team Prove They Don’t Need Jimmy Butler?
The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, two teams rumored to be in the mix for Jimmy Butler, will try to prove they don’t need the disgruntled star when they clash Friday night in San Francisco. With the trade deadline looming, the spotlight is on key trade pieces like Bradley Beal and Andrew Wiggins—players who could swing betting lines just as much as trade talks.
Phoenix (28-25) sits in ninth place in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of Golden State (25-25), which has quietly won three of its last five. The Suns were riding a three-game win streak before falling 121-113 to Minnesota on Wednesday. Kevin Durant (33 points) and Devin Booker (28 points) did their part, but perhaps the biggest takeaway was Bradley Beal’s efficient 17-point outing off the bench.
Beal’s contract ($50.2M this season) looms large in trade speculation, and his role in Phoenix remains uncertain—evidenced by Suns coach Mike Budenholzer starting Royce O’Neale over him against Minnesota. Bettors should watch Beal’s minutes closely, as a shift in role could impact both props and game totals.
Meanwhile, Golden State is heating up, led by Andrew Wiggins, who has put up 21.6 PPG over the last five games. His 27-point performance in a 116-109 win over Oklahoma City on Wednesday reminded bettors why he can still be a difference-maker. Wiggins’ resurgence is either increasing his trade value or cementing his role—either way, his play affects how the Warriors move forward.
From a betting perspective, the Suns and Warriors have split their two previous meetings this season, with each team defending home court. The Suns took the first matchup 113-105 behind 27 points from Booker, while Golden State responded with a 109-105 win in December thanks to Jonathan Kuminga’s 34-point outburst.
The line for this game will likely be tight, but watch for late-breaking injury news and potential minutes restrictions, especially with Beal’s fluctuating role. Expect a competitive battle as both teams push for playoff positioning—and possibly try to prove they don’t need Butler after all.
Betting Notes:
Warriors are 3-2 ATS in their last five games
Suns are 2-3 ATS in their last five
The Under has hit in 4 of the last 6 Suns-Warriors matchups
Golden State is 6-4 ATS as a home underdog this season
NBA Pick Today:
Suns +2 -130
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