This Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference non-conference matchup features a struggling Brooklyn Nets team on a road losing streak against a competitive Phoenix Suns squad aiming to rebound from recent setbacks. The Suns, bolstered by star power despite injury concerns, host the Nets at home in what looks like a favorable spot for Phoenix to secure a win amid their push for Western Conference positioning.
Event Details
Venue: PHX Arena (also known as Mortgage Matchup Center), Phoenix, Arizona
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT / 6:00 PM PT)
Broadcast/Streaming: Likely local networks (Arizona’s Family for Suns, YES Network or alternatives for Nets), NBA League Pass
Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets continue to battle depth and performance issues, but no major new widespread injuries dominate reports for this game. Key contributors like forwards and guards (e.g., historical notes on Haywood Highsmith knee, potential G-League assignments) may impact rotation, but core lineup appears available. Specific designations pending final report; team has dealt with ongoing minor ailments affecting bench production.
Phoenix Suns: Significant concerns in the backcourt following recent games.
Devin Booker: Questionable/out (right ankle injury from recent game vs. Hawks; left on crutches, under evaluation)
Jalen Green: Questionable/out (right hamstring strain/tightness; missed recent games, MRI showed no new damage, worked out but status uncertain for return)
Other potential: Depth players or management (e.g., historical Grayson Allen knee, but focus on stars). Suns’ offense heavily impacted if Booker/Green limited or out, relying on supporting cast.
Key Player Matchups
Backcourt: If Booker plays, his scoring (elite mid-range, clutch) vs. Nets’ guards (limited scoring punch). Without Booker/Green, Suns lean on Grayson Allen or backups; Nets’ perimeter could exploit but lack firepower.
Wing/Forward: Suns’ forwards (e.g., supported by depth) vs. Nets’ wings. Phoenix’s length and athleticism provide edge in transition and defense.
Frontcourt: Suns’ interior (e.g., potential Jusuf Nurkić or others) vs. Nets’ bigs. Phoenix controls rebounding and paint if healthy.
Key X-Factor: Suns’ star availability—Booker/Green health determines offensive ceiling. Nets rely on scrappy play and opportunism, but road struggles and low scoring (107.9 PPG average) limit upside against Phoenix defense (allowing ~111.8 PPG).
Recent Team Form
Nets: Deep slump with 12-32 record. On a five-game (or longer) road losing streak, including blowout losses (e.g., recent heavy defeat contexts). Poor offense (bottom-tier scoring), defense allows high outputs. Struggling with consistency and motivation in rebuild phase.
Suns: Competitive at 27-19, but recent losses (e.g., 110-103 to Hawks, prior defeats). Strong when healthy (top-10 potential offense), but injuries to Booker/Green in late-January games hampered output. Home form solid; defense holds opponents around 111-112 PPG in wins.
Series History
Recent head-to-head favors Suns (e.g., wins in prior meetings, including blowouts like 108-84 in one context). Phoenix has dominated Brooklyn in multiple recent matchups (6+ wins in last 10). Nets struggle against stronger Western teams on road; Suns exploit mismatches effectively.
Betting Trends
Suns strong ATS/home favorites; Nets poor covering as large underdogs. Total trends under in Suns’ defensive games or when stars limited (low outputs possible). Sharp action likely on Phoenix side, with potential blowout coverage.
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 218.5
Phoenix Suns – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026
