San Francisco, CA – The Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns are set to tip off their 2023-24 NBA campaigns at the Chase Center on Tuesday night, immediately following the NBA opener between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. You can watch the live broadcast of the game on TNT and Watch on TNT tonight, starting at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Both the Warriors and the Suns are on a quest to dethrone the defending champions, the Nuggets, who will receive their 2023 championship rings earlier in the evening.
Read more: How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets?
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns: A Look Back
The Warriors finished last season with a 44-38 overall record, going 7-9 in Pacific Division play and boasting an impressive 33-8 record at home. They allowed opponents to score an average of 117.1 points per game and shoot 46.9% from the field.
The Suns, on the other hand, went 45-37 overall and 9-7 in Pacific Division action. They averaged 113.6 points per game while allowing opponents to score 111.6.
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns Key Players and Injuries
Kevin Durant, now with the Suns, holds a 16-10 record in matchups against Stephen Curry during the regular season. Durant won’t see Golden State defensive ace Draymond Green on the floor, as Green missed the entire preseason with a sprained left ankle and was ruled out of the opener.
The Suns will also be without Damion Lee due to a knee injury.
Offensive Firepower
The new season begins with Durant surrounded by Devin Booker and Suns newcomer Bradley Beal, giving Phoenix as much frontline firepower as any team in the league.
On the other side, Golden State led the league in assists per game last season with 29.8, marking their second-highest all-time and leading the league in this category in seven of the nine seasons under Steve Kerr.
Stats to Watch
Durant has scored 20 or more points in his last 12 Opening Night outings, tying Karl Malone for the NBA’s longest streak. Curry will be seeking a 10th straight 20-point opener, aiming to tie Kobe Bryant and Bob Lanier for fifth place on that list.
Chris Paul, now with the Warriors, will be attempting to compile his ninth career Opening Night double-double, trailing only LeBron James among active players.
Chemistry and Defense
With Paul and another former Sun, Dario Saric, joining the Warriors this year, the team aims to work on chemistry issues that plagued them last season. “Last year we weren’t a great defensive team, and the way our season ended was indicative of that,” said Draymond Green.
Betting Lines: NBA Schedule Tonight
The Warriors are favored by 1 point, with an over/under of 232, according to ESPN. The line shifts to Warriors -2.5 with an over/under of 234.5, as per the Chase Center’s game information.
For both teams, the season opener serves as a litmus test, setting the tone for a campaign filled with high expectations and championship aspirations. With key players sidelined and new additions to integrate, the matchup promises to be as unpredictable as it is electrifying.
