Golden State @ Phoenix preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 12, 2018 ) Phoenix 83, Golden State 129

The injury ravaged Golden State Warriors strive to extend their winning streak against Phoenix to 13 games when they visit the Suns on Saturday. The Warriors will be without three All-Stars in forward Kevin Durant (rib) and guards Stephen Curry (ankle) and Klay Thompson (thumb), and reserves will be asked to carry the load for a second straight night.

Durant took a blow to the ribs during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and an MRI exam Friday revealed a break that will keep him out at least two weeks. "It hurts when I laugh," Durant told reporters prior to Friday's 98-93 loss to the Sacramento Kings. "Right now, since it's so new, getting up and out of bed and getting up and out of my seat - normal movements throughout the day, not even basketball movements, that irritates it just a bit, and then obviously on the court." Golden State rolled to a 129-83 victory over the Suns on Feb. 12 in this season's lone previous meeting. Phoenix has dropped seven straight games and 22 of its past 24 and standout shooting guard Devin Booker (hand) is questionable because of an injury that he sustained during Wednesday's practice.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), FS Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (52-17): Golden State also lost small forward Omri Casspi (ankle) during Friday's contest but coach Steve Kerr didn't sound overly concerned about all the injuries, saying after the contest that "we just got to survive this next slate of games and hopefully get guys back and get rolling again for the playoffs." The attrition led to a starring role for point guard Quinn Cook, who made 10-of-13 shots while establishing career highs for points (25) and 3-point baskets (five). All-Star power forward Draymond Green (shoulder) returned from a one-game absence to produce 14 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and four steals against the Kings.

ABOUT THE SUNS (19-51): Booker wasn't cleared until an hour before game time Thursday when Phoenix was routed 116-88 by the Utah Jazz. He struggled to 12 points on 3-of-18 shooting against the Jazz and he will test his hand at Saturday's mid-day shootaround with a playing decision to come at some point in the hours leading up to tip-off. Booker scores 24.9 points per game but is averaging 14.5 on 10-of-34 shooting over the past two games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors have prevailed in five straight visits to Phoenix after losing 16 of the previous 19.

2. Golden State SG Nick Young is averaging 17 points while starting the past two games in place of Thompson.

3. Phoenix C Alan Williams (knee) is expected to make his season debut after recovering from surgery nearly six months ago.

PREDICTION: Warriors 124, Suns 102