Chicago and Washington can each change a game with their second unit, but their first scoring routes look different. Chicago's comeback against Milwaukee came through Tre Jones and the bench after a slow opening, while Washington has leaned on Trae Young to create for its bigs. Phoenix and Golden State bring another contest of first shots and second chances. Booker's drives and free throws meet a Warriors team that kept generating extra shots against Memphis.
Young has produced at least twelve assists in both Washington games, with Anthony Davis, Tre Johnson and Deandre Ayton offering different ways to finish. Chicago can answer through Jones, Powell and Jalen Smith's work on the offensive glass. The current injury report keeps Claxton out after he missed Chicago's last game; Giddey played with a wrist issue and supplied passes, but little scoring. Chicago's middle-quarter bench surge should force Washington to answer with Young's passing and its interior options. That's why I'm siding with Washington to finish the game ahead.
Phoenix can start through Booker and Jalen Green against Golden State's reshaped backcourt. Curry and Podziemski played in the Warriors' last game but are expected to miss this one or remain uncertain, while Phoenix's Williams missed its opener and Ighodaro played briefly before his new strain. Golden State's Lendeborg collected seven offensive rebounds against Memphis, and Phoenix gave Portland too many second-chance points. Those extra possessions can keep the Warriors in the contest as the game moves through its middle and late stretches. That's why I'm siding with Golden State to stay close.
