The Miami Heat (23-22) head west to take on the Phoenix Suns (27-18) in an inter-conference battle. The Heat, clinging to a play-in spot in the East amid a rollercoaster season, aim to build on recent road wins against a Suns team that’s tied for first in the Pacific Division but dealing with key absences. Phoenix’s elite defense (allowing just 111.8 PPG) could exploit Miami’s inconsistent offense, but the Heat’s veteran leadership might keep it close in what projects as a mid-tempo affair with potential for late-game drama.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Footprint Center (formerly known as Mortgage Matchup Center in some previews) in Phoenix, Arizona. This 18,422-capacity arena is known for its vibrant atmosphere and has been the Suns’ home since 1992, offering modern amenities and a strong home-court advantage for Phoenix.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT)
TV/Streaming: NBA League Pass; regional coverage on Bally Sports Sun (Heat) and Arizona’s Family 3TV / Arizona’s Family Sports (Suns).
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating injuries that could shift lineups, with Phoenix hit harder in the backcourt.
Miami Heat:
Tyler Herro (SG): Out – Ribs; expected return January 28. Sidelined since mid-January, impacting Miami’s perimeter scoring.
Kel’el Ware (C): Out – Right hamstring strain; estimated return January 28.
Davion Mitchell (PG): Questionable – Left shoulder sprain; game-time decision.
Norman Powell (SG): Questionable – Lower back tightness; first potential absence since January 11.
Pelle Larsson (G): Probable – Finger; expected to play despite day-to-day status.
Phoenix Suns:
Devin Booker (SG): Out – Right ankle sprain; sidelined after rolling it in a recent game, missing the matchup against Miami.
Jalen Green (SG): Questionable – Right hamstring injury management; day-to-day after leaving a game early.
Grayson Allen (SG): Probable – Injury management; expected to suit up.
Jordan Goodwin (PG): Available – Jaw sprain (wearing mask).
Key
Player Matchups
With injuries reshaping lineups, expect these key battles:
Bam Adebayo (MIA) vs. Jusuf Nurkic (PHX): Adebayo’s agility and mid-range (29 PPG recently) against Nurkic’s size and rebounding; could control the paint.
Jimmy Butler (MIA) vs. Kevin Durant (PHX): Butler’s physicality and drives vs. Durant’s scoring efficiency; a veteran showdown with playoff intensity.
Tyler Herro (MIA, out) replacement vs. Bradley Beal (PHX): If Powell plays, his shooting vs. Beal’s playmaking; Miami’s backcourt depth tested without Herro.
Terry Rozier (MIA) vs. Grayson Allen (PHX): Rozier’s speed against Allen’s three-point threat; perimeter defense key for both. Watch for: Zion Williamson isn’t on Heat; assume standard: Powell or Mitchell vs. Green if he plays.
Recent Team Forms
Miami Heat (Last 5 Games): 2-3
Jan 22 at POR: L 110-127 (Defensive lapses allowed high scoring)
Jan 20 at SAC: W 130-117 (Adebayo 25 PTS led balanced attack)
Jan 19 at GS: L 112-135 (Blowout, poor shooting)
Jan 17 vs OKC: W 122-120 (Clutch win)
Jan 15 vs BOS: L 114-119 (Close home loss)
The Heat are 5-5 in their last 10, with road inconsistencies but strong when Adebayo dominates.
Phoenix Suns (Last 5 Games): 3-2
Jan 23 at ATL: L 103-110 (Booker injured early, offense stalled)
Jan 20 at PHI: W 116-110 (Booker 17 PTS in gritty road win)
Jan 19 at BKN: W 126-117 (Durant efficient)
Jan 17 at NY: W 106-99 (Defensive stand)
Jan 15 at DET: L 105-108 (Close loss) The Suns are 7-3 in their last 10, relying on defense amid injuries.
Series History
The Suns hold a 40-34 all-time edge over the Heat in 74 regular-season meetings.
Phoenix has won 17 of the last 43 games, but Miami leads the season series 1-0 after a 127-121 victory on January 13, 2026.
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Over the last 10 encounters, it’s split 5-5, with the Suns holding a 3-2 home advantage. Historically, games average high totals (over 210 in recent matchups).
Betting Trends
Over has hit in 53% of Heat games this season. Suns 31-13 ATS overall (15-4 at home); Heat 25-19-1 ATS (12-10-1 on road). Suns 16-3 ATS as favorites; Heat 14-10-1 as underdogs. Head-to-head: Suns 5-5 ATS in last 10; 64.7% win probability for Phoenix per analytics.
Game Odds
Miami Heat 226.5
Phoenix Suns – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 24, 2026
