The Washington Wizards, enduring a challenging season with one of the league’s worst records and defensive struggles, travel to face the Phoenix Suns, who are pushing for a top spot in the Western Conference despite some minor injury concerns. This interconference matchup could see the Suns’ high-powered offense overwhelm the Wizards’ porous defense, but Washington’s young core might keep it competitive if they exploit Phoenix’s occasional lapses. With the Suns on a winning streak and at home, expect a lopsided affair unless the Wizards’ bench steps up.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Mortgage Matchup Center (formerly known as PHX Arena or Footprint Center) in Phoenix, Arizona. This 18,000-seat arena is renowned for its electric atmosphere and has been the Suns’ home since 1992.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT local time). The game will be broadcast on AZFamily, Suns+, and MNMT2, with streaming options via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams have submitted preliminary reports, but final statuses may change closer to tip-off. The Wizards are relatively healthy but missing depth pieces, while the Suns manage minor ailments amid a strong campaign. Data as of January 10, 2026.
Washington Wizards:
Malcolm Brogdon (PG): Out – Right thumb sprain. Has missed recent games and no timeline for return.
Saddiq Bey (SF): Questionable – Undisclosed (potentially illness or minor strain from recent reports).
Note: The team has only two players officially listed, but young starters like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly are healthy and expected to play heavy minutes.
Phoenix Suns:
Jamaree Bouyea (PG): Out – Concussion. Ruled out after missing Friday’s game.
Jalen Green (SG): Probable – Right hamstring strain. Upgraded and expected to play after being game-time decision recently.
Grayson Allen (SG): Questionable – Undisclosed (listed in some reports, potentially rest or minor issue).
Note: Core stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal are healthy and coming off strong performances.
Key Player Matchups
The Suns’ veteran scoring trio holds clear advantages over Washington’s youth, but mismatches in the paint and perimeter could keep the Wizards afloat if they shoot well from deep.
Kyle Kuzma (Wizards PF) vs. Kevin Durant (Suns SF/PF): Kuzma’s scoring versatility (averaging mid-20s PPG) against Durant’s elite two-way play (high efficiency recently). Durant could exploit switches for easy buckets, but Kuzma’s physicality might force turnovers.
Jordan Poole (Wizards PG) vs. Bradley Beal (Suns SG): Poole’s quickness and three-point shooting vs. Beal’s scoring prowess (recently 20+ PPG). This reunion matchup (Beal formerly with Wizards) adds intrigue, with Beal likely to dominate defensively.
Alex Sarr (Wizards C) vs. Jusuf Nurkic (Suns C): Rookie Sarr’s athleticism and blocking vs. Nurkic’s rebounding and passing. Without major injuries, Nurkic could control the boards against Washington’s weak interior.
Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards SG) vs. Devin Booker (Suns PG/SG): Coulibaly’s defense on Booker’s hot streak (31 points in last game). Booker might feast if Green is limited, pulling defenders for open looks.
The Suns’ depth gives them edges across the board, but Wizards’ guards could heat up in transition.
Recent Team Forms
Washington Wizards: The Wizards have shown flashes but remain inconsistent, going 5-5 in their last 10 games with an average of 114.9 PPG. Their defense allows 124.3 PPG overall, highlighted by a recent 110-131 loss to Philadelphia (Jan. 7). Wins have come against weaker teams, but losses feature blowouts. Last 5: L-W-L-W-L (mixed results against Eastern foes).
Phoenix Suns: The Suns are heating up, winning 7 of their last 10 with strong offense (112+ PPG in wins). Recent victories include 112-107 over New York (Jan. 9, Booker 31 points) and 117-98 at Memphis (Jan. 7). Defense has improved at home. Last 5: W-W-L-W-W (solid against varied opponents).
Series History
All-time, the Phoenix Suns hold a slight 71-69 edge over the Washington Wizards in 140 regular-season meetings. Recently, the Suns have dominated, winning the last five encounters, including a 115-101 victory on December 29, 2025 (Brooks led scoring). Washington is 0-5 SU in their last five against Phoenix and struggles on the road in the series (3-13 SU last 16 away games overall).
Betting Trends
Trends favor over, as Suns games hit over in 7 of last 10 at home, and Wizards allow high points (124.3 PPG conceded). Suns are 9-1 ATS in last 10 and 26-12 ATS overall this season. Wizards are 0-5 SU/ATS vs. Suns recently and 1-4 ATS in last 5 road games. Phoenix is 8-2 SU in last 10 overall; Washington 3-13 SU on road last 16.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 229.5
Phoenix Suns – 13.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
