Two Western Conference playoff hopefuls meet Thursday night as the Golden State Warriors travel to Phoenix to face the Suns. Both teams are jockeying to avoid the play-in tournament, but injuries and roster changes loom large in this matchup. Golden State enters at 27–24 and eighth in the West, while Phoenix sits seventh at 31–20 after winning four of its last five games. With Stephen Curry and Devin Booker both ruled out, this game could come down to depth, defense, and execution. Here at PayPerHead, you’ll find our Warriors vs Suns prediction and everything you need to know ahead of kickoff.
How to Watch Warriors vs Suns
Date: Thursday, Feb. 5
Time: 10:00 p.m. EST
Broadcast: Prime Video
Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center
Key Factors in Warriors vs Suns
This game looks very different than the marquee names might suggest. Without Curry, Golden State’s offense has struggled to generate consistent scoring, and recent roster turnover only complicates matters.
The Warriors have scored 104 points or fewer in eight of the 12 games Curry has missed this season, including five games under 100 points. That trend is concerning against a Phoenix defense that ranks seventh in defensive rating and allows just 111.6 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the NBA.
Phoenix is even stronger at home, where it gives up only 108.0 points per game, the third-best home defensive mark in the league. With Golden State missing multiple top scorers and integrating new pieces later on, offensive efficiency figures to be hard to come by.
How the Warriors Adjust Short-Handed
Golden State will be shorthanded on several fronts. Stephen Curry remains out with patellofemoral knee pain, while Jimmy Butler is done for the season with a torn ACL. The Warriors also moved on from Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis at the trade deadline.
That leaves Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Moses Moody as the primary scoring options. While Podziemski has flashed playmaking ability, Golden State’s offense without Curry has lacked spacing and shot creation, especially late in games.
The Warriors have lost five of their last seven games, and they now face a defense that thrives at slowing tempo and limiting transition opportunities.
Suns Finding Balance at the Right Time
Phoenix continues to stay afloat despite the absence of Devin Booker, who has missed six straight games with a right ankle sprain. In that stretch, the Suns are 4–2, with wins over Cleveland, Brooklyn, Detroit, and Portland.
Dillon Brooks has carried much of the scoring load, averaging 25.3 points over the last six games. Grayson Allen (20.0 points per game) and Collin Gillespie (17.0 points, 3.8 assists) have also stepped up, giving Phoenix enough balance to remain competitive.
Jalen Green is listed as questionable with hamstring and hip issues and has played just five games this season. Even if he suits up, Phoenix’s recent success has been driven primarily by defense and disciplined half-court offense.
Warriors vs Suns Prediction
With both teams missing their star guards, the difference comes down to depth and defensive consistency. Phoenix has shown it can win without Booker, while Golden State’s offense has consistently stalled without Curry.
The Suns’ ability to limit scoring at home, combined with Golden State’s recent offensive struggles and roster disruption, gives Phoenix a clear edge in this spot.
Our prediction at PayPerHead: Suns 112, Warriors 101.
