The Phoenix Suns, riding high on a wave of impressive home performances, are set to host the Washington Wizards this Sunday, January 11. The match-up at the Mortgage Matchup Center tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST and promises to be a challenging one for the visiting team, especially with their star acquisition sidelined.
Suns' Formidable Home Fortress
The Phoenix Suns have been a force to reckon with on their home court this NBA season. Their record stands at an outstanding 13-5 straight up at home. When favoured to win in front of their fans, their dominance is even more pronounced, boasting an 8-2 record against the spread. Their average scoring margin in these favoured home games is a staggering +15.3 points.
This success is built on a solid defensive foundation. The Suns' home defensive and net ratings rank them seventh in the entire NBA. They enter this contest on a two-game winning streak and have won eight of their last ten outings. In their most recent game, they secured a hard-fought 112-107 victory over the New York Knicks.
Wizards' Uphill Battle Without Trae Young
The Washington Wizards face a daunting task as they hit the road. Their situation is compounded by the confirmed absence of All-Star guard Trae Young. Young, who made a significant impact after joining the Wizards, is recovering from quadriceps and knee ailments and will not play.
The Wizards' form has been shaky, having lost three of their last four games and currently riding a two-game losing streak. Their last outing was a 128-107 home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Facing one of the league's top home defences without their primary playmaker puts them in a significant disadvantage. The teams last met on December 29, where the Suns, as 11.5-point favourites, won 115-101.
Expected Lineups and Injury Report
The projected starting lineups for the clash are as follows. For the Phoenix Suns: Collin Gillespie (PG), Devin Booker (SG), Grayson Allen (SF), Dillon Brooks (PF), and Mark Williams (C). The Washington Wizards are expected to start: Bub Carrington (PG), Kyshawn George (SG), Bilal Coulibaly (SF), Khris Middleton (PF), and Alex Sarr (C).
The injury report lists key absences for both sides. Phoenix will be without Jamaree Bouyea (Concussion) and Jalen Green (Hamstring). For Washington, aside from Trae Young (Quadriceps/knee), Cam Whitmore (Vein thrombosis) is also ruled out.
Game Prediction and Broadcast Details
The Suns (23-15), with their stellar home record and defensive prowess, are heavy favourites against the Wizards (10-27). The absence of Trae Young severely limits Washington's offensive firepower and ability to challenge Phoenix's system.
Fans in India and globally can catch the action live. The game will be telecast on Arizona’s Family Sports and MNMT. For online streamers, Fubo will broadcast the match. All eyes will be on Devin Booker and the Suns as they aim to solidify their position as one of the NBA's elite home teams.
