I hold tremendous respect for the Nets. They have the best point spread record in the NBA at 16-5-1. So I don't like to fade them. But it's not asking too much of the Suns to simply win this game even if Kevin Durant isn't ready to play after missing the last two games because of an ankle sprain. That's why I have them on the money line instead of laying a short number.

It's just a bonus if Durant can suit up. The Suns still have scoring stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

The Suns aren't going to take the Nets lightly knowing they're going against former teammates Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. They don't want to lose to those two players, who were part of the package Brooklyn received when it dealt Durant to the Suns.

The Nets opened their West Coast trip with a 131-118 loss to Sacramento. The Suns have beaten the Nets four straight times.