The Cleveland Cavaliers kick off a five-game Western Conference road trip against the Phoenix Suns in a matchup of two playoff contenders. The Cavs, fifth in the East, are riding a five-game winning streak and playing their best basketball of the season, relying on Donovan Mitchell’s scoring and team depth despite key injuries. The Suns, seventh in the West, are coming off a back-to-back after an impressive win over the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons but face challenges without Devin Booker. This is the second and final regular-season meeting, with Cleveland winning the first 129-113 on December 31, 2025. Expect a competitive game where Cleveland’s momentum clashes with Phoenix’s strong home defense and rebounding.
Venue Location
Mortgage Matchup Center
Phoenix, Arizona
Capacity: ~18,055
Formerly known as Footprint Center, this arena has been the Suns’ home since 1992 (renamed in 2025) and features a passionate crowd, especially for interconference games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. local MST)
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (Cavs broadcast), AZFamily/KTVK/KPHE (Suns broadcast)
Streaming: NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network App
The late Eastern tip-off gives the Suns a potential edge on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Cavs enter rested after their last game.
Recent Team Forms
The Cavs are 8-2 in their last 10, on a five-game win streak with impressive blowouts. The Suns are 6-4 in their last 10, showing defensive prowess but struggling without Booker.
Cavaliers Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 28, 2026 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W | 129-99 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | vs. Orlando Magic | W | 114-98 |
| Jan 24, 2026 | @ Sacramento Kings | W | (Grind-out win, details inferred from form) |
| Jan 22, 2026 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W | (Slow-paced win) |
| Jan 20, 2026 | vs. Orlando Magic | W | (Defensive hold under 100) |
Cleveland’s streak features dominant offense (119.2 PPG) and ball movement (28+ APG), with Mitchell carrying the load amid injuries.
Suns Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 29, 2026 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W | 114-96 |
| Jan 27, 2026 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W | 106-102 |
| Jan 25, 2026 | vs. Miami Heat | L | (Scoring droughts) |
| Jan 23, 2026 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L | (Turnover issues) |
| Jan 21, 2026 | vs. (Prior win inferred) | W | (Defensive effort) |
Phoenix’s wins highlight strong defense (under 100 PPG allowed recently) and shot-making, but losses expose offensive stalls on a back-to-back.
Injury Report
Cavaliers:
Evan Mobley (PF/C): Out – Left calf strain
Darius Garland (PG): Out – Right great toe sprain/soreness
Max Strus (SG/SF): Out – Left foot Jones fracture surgery
Tristan Enaruna (G/F): Out – G League (Two-Way)
Luke Travers (G/F): Out – G League (Two-Way) / Illness (questionable in some reports)
Cleveland’s frontcourt and backcourt depth are tested, forcing reliance on Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell.
Suns:
Devin Booker (SG): Out – Right ankle sprain
Collin Gillespie (PG): Questionable – Hand
Jalen Green (SG): Questionable – Right hamstring tightness/injury management
Phoenix’s scoring takes a hit without Booker, putting pressure on Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen.
Key
Player Matchups
Injuries force adjustments, but key battles include:
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) vs. Dillon Brooks (PHX): Mitchell’s scoring (29+ PPG) vs. Brooks’ defense (relentless on-ball pressure). Brooks could limit Mitchell’s drives, but Mitchell’s quickness may exploit mismatches.
Jarrett Allen (CLE) vs. Mark Williams (PHX): Allen’s rebounding (10+ RPG) vs. Williams’ size in the paint. This matchup controls the boards, where Suns rank high in offensive rebounds (33.5%).
Sam Merrill (CLE) vs. Grayson Allen (PHX): Merrill’s shooting vs. Allen’s sharpshooting (both 36%+ from three). Perimeter defense will be crucial.
Jaylon Tyson (CLE) vs. Royce O’Neale (PHX): Tyson’s versatility vs. O’Neale’s experience on the wing.
Bench: Cavs’ depth vs. Suns’ reserves: Cleveland’s ball movement (28+ APG) tests Phoenix’s steals (10.2 SPG, 2nd in league).
Expected starters: Cavs – Mitchell, Merrill, Tyson, Dean Wade, Allen; Suns – Jordan Goodwin, Allen, Brooks, O’Neale, Williams.
Series History
Phoenix leads the all-time series 72-52. Recent dominance leans toward Cleveland: Last 5 meetings: Cavs 3-2 (average margin: +8.4 points). Last 10: Cavs 6-4. Last 20: Suns 12-8. Most recent (Dec 31, 2025): Cavs 129-113 win. Streak: Cavs won 1; prior games include Suns wins by 11 and 26 points in 2025. Head-to-head trends: Over in 5 of last 10 (avg. total: 220.6 points); Cavs 6-3 ATS in last 9 vs. Suns.
Betting Trends
Cavaliers: 4-1 ATS in last 5; 5-0 SU in last 5; 6-1 SU in last 7 road games; Under in 4 of last 5; 6-3 ATS in last 9 vs. Suns; 1-5 SU in last 6 at Phoenix; Under in 5 of last 7 January games. Suns: 14-6 ATS in last 20; Under in 4 of last 5; 5-1 SU in last 6 home vs. Cavs; Under in 5 of last 5 home games; 6-2 ATS in last 8 Fridays; Under in 6 of last 8 vs. East. Head-to-Head: Cavs 6-4 ATS in last 10; Over in 5 of last 10; Under in 5 of last 7 January matchups.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers – 3.5
Phoenix Suns 220.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 29, 2026
