The NBA regular season features a cross-conference clash on December 29, 2025, as the Phoenix Suns visit the Washington Wizards. The Suns, riding a recent winning streak, look to extend their momentum against a struggling Wizards team that’s won just six games this season. This matchup highlights Phoenix’s star-studded lineup against Washington’s rebuilding efforts, with potential for high scoring given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities. Below is a comprehensive breakdown based on data as of December 28, 2025.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. This 20,356-capacity venue, opened in 1997, is located at 601 F Street NW and serves as the home for the Wizards. It’s known for its central downtown location, modern amenities, and proximity to public transit, making it a hub for NBA events in the nation’s capital.
Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT for Phoenix viewers)
Broadcast: Available on FanDuel Sports Network West (for Suns markets), Monumental Sports Network (for Wizards), and nationally via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries could impact depth, particularly for the Suns’ perimeter and the Wizards’ wings. Reports are as of December 28 afternoon; check for updates closer to tip-off.
Phoenix Suns:
Grayson Allen (SG): Out (right knee injury). He’s missed recent games, affecting shooting and spacing.
ak-static.cms.nba.com +3
Ryan Dunn (F): Questionable (left knee soreness). He sat out the December 27 win over New Orleans and remains day-to-day.
Koby Brea (G): Out (concussion). Limited impact as a rookie, but thins the bench.
No other major injuries reported, though the Suns have not fully submitted their report.
Washington Wizards:
Kyshawn George (G/F): Questionable (hip flexor soreness). The breakout guard has been dealing with this issue, potentially limiting his minutes after missing recent action.
Corey Kispert (SF): Questionable (undisclosed). Listed among notable injured players, which could weaken Washington’s shooting.
betiq.teamrankings.com +1
Malaki Branham (G): Questionable (undisclosed). Depth piece, but his status adds to backcourt uncertainty.
No additional key injuries, though the Wizards have not fully submitted their report.
These absences may force both teams to rely on veterans, potentially leading to mismatched rotations and exploitable weaknesses.
Player Matchups
This game showcases star power from Phoenix against Washington’s young core, with revenge narratives for Bradley Beal facing his former team. Key battles to watch:
Kevin Durant (PHX SF) vs. Kyle Kuzma (WAS PF): Durant’s scoring efficiency (29+ PPG) against Kuzma’s versatility. Kuzma must disrupt Durant’s mid-range game, but KD’s length could dominate mismatches.
Devin Booker (PHX SG) vs. Jordan Poole (WAS PG/SG): Booker’s all-around offense (25+ PPG) vs. Poole’s streaky shooting. Poole’s recent 3-point struggles (23% since return) make this favorable for Booker.
Bradley Beal (PHX SG) vs. Bilal Coulibaly (WAS SG): Beal returns to D.C., averaging 20+ PPG. Coulibaly’s defense could challenge him, but Beal’s experience edges this emotional matchup.
Jusuf Nurkic (PHX C) vs. Alex Sarr (WAS C): Nurkic’s rebounding vs. Sarr’s athleticism (152 rebounds this season). Sarr could exploit Nurkic’s slower foot speed in pick-and-rolls.
Phoenix’s big three should overwhelm Washington’s defense, but if George plays, his two-way impact could spark upsets.
Recent Team Forms
Phoenix is heating up, while Washington continues to struggle with consistency.
Phoenix Suns (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | at New Orleans | W 123-114 | Booker led with strong scoring; overcame punches in testy game. youtube.com +1 |
| Dec 23 | vs Los Angeles Lakers | W 132-108 | Dillon Brooks’ 25 points paced blowout; dominant defense. youtube.com |
| Dec 20 | at Golden State | L 116-119 | Close loss; defensive lapses late. basketball-reference.com |
| Dec 10 | vs Oklahoma City | W (box score available, win implied) | Solid team effort. nba.com |
| Dec ? | vs LA Clippers | W 119-117 | Narrow victory; efficient shooting. statmuse.com |
Form: W-W-L-W-W (4-1 in last 5). Suns are 7-3 in their last 10, surging with health.
Washington Wizards (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 28 | vs Memphis | (Game today; preview notes injuries) | Potential win needed; facing strong Grizzlies. 1400foxsports.iheart.com +1 |
| Dec 26 | vs Toronto | W 138-117 | Blowout win; strong offense. statmuse.com |
| Dec 21 | vs San Antonio | L 113-124 | De’Aaron Fox’s 27 not enough; defensive issues. youtube.com |
| Dec 20 | at Memphis | W 130-122 | McCollum and George rallied in second half. cbssports.com |
| Dec ? | vs Boston | L (implied loss) | Struggles continue. landofbasketball.com |
Form: ?-W-L-W-L (2-3 assuming Dec 28 loss; 3-7 in last 10). Wizards are 2-3 at home recently.
Series History
Phoenix holds a slight all-time edge, 70-69 in 139 regular-season meetings. Recently, the Suns have dominated, winning the last four encounters.
Recent Games:
July 11, 2025 (Summer League?): Suns 103-84 Wizards.
January 25, 2025: Suns 119-109 Wizards.
Overall, Suns are 3-0 in last year; games average 226 points, trending over.
Washington’s last win was earlier, but Phoenix’s streak gives them confidence.
Betting Trends
Phoenix Suns: 16-15 ATS overall; 8-7 ATS on road. 7-3 ATS in last 10; over hits in 6 of last 10 when favored.
Washington Wizards: 14-15 ATS; 3-2 ATS in last 5. 6-10 ATS at home; under in 7 of last 10 vs. strong offenses.
Head-to-Head Trends: Suns 4-1 ATS in last 5 vs. Wizards; games go over 225 in 3 of 5.
League-Wide: Western favorites vs. Eastern underdogs hit over 55% in December 2025.
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns – 10.5
Washington Wizards 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025
