The Phoenix Suns hit the road to face the Miami Heat in an inter-conference battle on January 13, 2026. The Suns are enjoying a surprising surge after offseason changes, including trading Kevin Durant, and sit firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture with strong recent play. Meanwhile, the Heat are hovering around .500 in the East, relying on their veteran core but struggling with consistency amid minor injuries. This matchup could feature high-scoring offense from Phoenix against Miami’s trademark defense, with the Suns entering as slight favorites despite playing away. Below is a detailed analysis.
Venue Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida. This 19,600-capacity arena has been the Heat’s home since 2000 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially in games against Western opponents.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Sun and League Pass, with radio options on FM 104.3 WQAM and KMVP 98.7.
Injury Report
Both teams are relatively healthy but dealing with key absences that could affect depth, particularly in the backcourt. This might lead to more minutes for role players and potentially higher turnovers.
Phoenix Suns:
G Jalen Green (right hamstring strain): Out. A significant blow to scoring depth; he’s been averaging 20+ points before the injury, with a return expected soon on the road trip.
G Jamaree Bouyea (concussion protocol): Out. Limits guard rotation.
G Jordan Goodwin (G League – Two-Way): Out. Not a major impact.
Miami Heat:
F Myron Gardner (G League – Assignment): Out. Minor depth issue.
G Norman Powell (back): Game-time decision. If out, it weakens the wing rotation; he’s been ruled out recently but is day-to-day.
Other notes: Older reports mention Nikola Jovic (undisclosed) and Tyler Herro (various), but no current confirmation; assume available unless updated.
Key Player Matchups
With the Suns post-Durant era emphasizing guard play and the Heat’s defensive identity, these battles could dictate pace and scoring.
Devin Booker (PHX G) vs. Tyler Herro (MIA G): Booker’s scoring prowess (averaging 28+ PPG) against Herro’s quick release and off-ball movement. Booker will look to exploit switches, while Herro aims to force turnovers.
Bradley Beal (PHX G) vs. Jimmy Butler (MIA F): Beal’s mid-range game vs. Butler’s physical defense and drives. Butler leads Miami in steals, but Beal’s speed could create mismatches.
Dillon Brooks (PHX F) vs. Bam Adebayo (MIA C): Brooks’ perimeter defense on Adebayo, who dominates inside (20+ PPG, 10+ RPG). Brooks’ recent hot streak (11 points in key quarters) could disrupt Miami’s paint presence.
Jusuf Nurkic (PHX C) vs. Miami’s Frontcourt: Nurkic’s rebounding vs. Adebayo’s versatility; expect physical play in the post.
Recent Team Forms
The Suns are on fire, winning 10 of their last 13, while the Heat have dropped four straight amid road woes.
Phoenix Suns (Last 10 Games): 8-2
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | vs WAS | W 112-93 |
| Jan 9 | vs NYK | W 112-107 |
| Jan 7 | @ DAL | W 115-110 |
| Jan 5 | vs MEM | L 102-105 |
| Jan 3 | @ HOU | W 108-101 |
| Jan 1 | vs LAC | W 120-115 |
| Dec 30 | @ SAC | W 118-112 |
| Dec 28 | vs GSW | L 105-110 |
| Dec 26 | @ LAL | W 114-109 |
| Dec 23 | vs DEN | W 122-118 |
Phoenix has a +85 goal differential in this span, with elite shooting (48% FG) and strong home defense, but they’re starting a six-game road trip.
Miami Heat (Last 10 Games): 3-7
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | @ OKC | L 112-124 |
| Jan 10 | @ IND | L 99-123 |
| Jan 6 | @ MIN | L 94-122 |
| Jan 4 | vs CLE | W 110-105 |
| Jan 2 | @ CHI | L 102-108 |
| Dec 31 | vs ORL | W 115-110 |
| Dec 29 | @ ATL | L 100-105 |
| Dec 27 | vs BKN | W 112-108 |
| Dec 25 | @ BOS | L 95-110 |
| Dec 23 | vs TOR | L 105-112 |
Miami has been outscored by 65 points recently, with poor road form (1-4 in last five away, but this is home) and defensive lapses allowing 115+ PPG in losses.
Series History
Phoenix holds a 40-33 all-time edge over Miami in 73 regular-season games. In the last 10 meetings, the Suns are 6-4, including wins in three of the last four. Recent games have been close, with an average margin of 7 points, and the over has hit in six of the last eight. Miami has a strong home record in the series (4-2 in last six at Kaseya Center).
Betting Trends
Spread: Suns 27-12 ATS overall; Heat 22-17 ATS.
Over/Under: Over has hit in 6 of Suns’ last 10; under in 7 of Heat’s last 10.
Other Trends: Suns 7-1 ATS as 0.5-4.5 underdogs; Heat 10-12 as home underdogs. Phoenix 23-16 SU in last 39 games.
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns 230.5
Miami Heat – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 12, 2026
