The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns are set to square off in a home-and-home series that kicks off Thursday night in Phoenix, with both teams looking to snap out of recent funks. These two Pacific Division rivals have each dropped six of their last 10 games, and neither wants to fall into a three-game skid with the Western Conference standings tightening up heading into the heart of the season.
Warriors Searching for Stability Amid Curry’s Scorching Form
Golden State (13-14) enters the matchup coming off a wild shootout loss to Portland, 136-131, despite a vintage performance from Steph Curry. The two-time MVP poured in 48 points on 16-of-26 shooting, including a blistering 12-for-19 from beyond the arc. Curry’s been doing everything short of selling popcorn at halftime, but the Warriors’ inconsistency on both ends has continued to haunt them.
Head coach Steve Kerr addressed the team’s shaky rotations this week, confirming that the Warriors will be rolling with a more established starting five moving forward. Barring any late changes, that group features Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post. It’s a lineup that blends experience, scoring punch, and defensive grit - all things Golden State needs in spades if they’re going to climb back above .500.
The Warriors will be without guard Pat Spencer (personal reasons) and veteran big man Al Horford (back), who’s expected to miss at least another week. On the bright side, Seth Curry is cleared to play after being listed as questionable with a thigh issue - giving the Dubs another sharpshooter off the bench.
Suns Battling Through Injuries, Staying in the Hunt
Phoenix (14-12) nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Lakers on Sunday, erasing a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit before falling just short, 116-114. It was a tough loss, but the fight the Suns showed in the final frame was a reminder that this team, even after major offseason changes, isn’t going quietly in the West.
Devin Booker made his return from a three-game absence due to a groin injury and didn’t miss a beat - leading the way with 27 points, seven assists, and six boards on 7-of-17 shooting. Booker’s presence gives Phoenix a much-needed offensive anchor, especially with Jalen Green still sidelined from a hamstring injury suffered in training camp.
The Suns have been one of the surprise stories of the season under head coach Jordan Ott. After trading away Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the offseason, many expected Phoenix to take a step back. Instead, they’ve stayed competitive and currently sit seventh in the West - just 1.5 games ahead of the Warriors.
In addition to Green, the Suns will be without forward Isaiah Livers (hip), while sharpshooting guard Grayson Allen is questionable with right knee soreness. Allen’s availability will be something to monitor, given how important his floor spacing has been to Phoenix’s offense.
A Rivalry with Playoff Implications
This isn’t just another December game. Golden State and Phoenix already faced off once this season - a 118-107 Warriors win back on Nov.
- Thursday’s clash is the second of four meetings, with the next coming Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The final matchup is set for Feb. 5.
With both teams hovering around the play-in line and the Western Conference standings tightening by the day, every head-to-head battle carries extra weight. For the Warriors, it’s about finding rhythm and consistency around Curry’s brilliance. For the Suns, it’s about staying afloat while key players heal and proving that their early-season success isn’t a fluke.
Expect intensity, urgency, and a playoff-like atmosphere - because even in December, this one matters.