The Phoenix Suns continue their road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers in an interconference battle on New Year’s Eve. The Suns, fourth in the Western Conference, ride a three-game road winning streak into Cleveland, where the seventh-seeded Cavs in the East aim to build on a recent impressive victory. This matchup showcases Phoenix’s star-powered offense against Cleveland’s balanced attack and home-court defense, with both teams vying for better positioning heading into 2026.
Venue Location
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio. This 19,432-capacity arena, opened in 1994 and renovated in 2019, is renowned for its passionate fans and has hosted numerous high-profile NBA events.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET (12:30 PM PT). The game will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV, with local feeds on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (Cavaliers) and Arizona Family 3TV (Suns), plus streaming on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries could influence rotations, with both teams managing key absences but Cleveland hit harder in depth.
Phoenix Suns:
Grayson Allen: Doubtful (Injury/Illness – Right Knee Injury)
Ryan Dunn: Questionable (Undisclosed; could miss third straight game)
Jusuf Nurkic: Available (recently returned from minor issues)
The Suns’ backcourt depth is tested if Allen sits, but their big three (Durant, Booker, Beal) remain healthy.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Chris Livingston: Out (G League – Two-Way)
Sam Merrill: Probable (Injury/Illness – Left Hip Soreness)
Larry Nance Jr.: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Calf Strain)
Max Strus: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Foot Stress Fracture)
Cleveland’s wing and bench options are thinned, potentially forcing more minutes for starters like Mobley and Allen.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights offensive fireworks and defensive tests, with Phoenix’s scoring trio facing Cleveland’s guard-heavy lineup.
Kevin Durant (PHX) vs. Evan Mobley (CLE): Durant’s mid-range mastery and scoring (27 PPG) challenges Mobley’s elite defense (top-5 in blocks, versatile switching). Mobley’s length could limit Durant inside, but KD’s pull-up game opens the floor.
Devin Booker (PHX) vs. Donovan Mitchell (CLE): Booker’s crafty scoring (25 PPG, efficient from deep) meets Mitchell’s explosiveness (24 PPG, clutch plays). This guard duel could dictate pace, with both capable of 30+ point nights.
Bradley Beal (PHX) vs. Darius Garland (CLE): Beal’s veteran savvy (18 PPG) versus Garland’s playmaking (20 PPG, 7 APG). If Strus is out, Garland may shoulder more defensive load.
Frontcourt Battle: Jusuf Nurkic (PHX) vs. Jarrett Allen (CLE): Nurkic’s rebounding (10 RPG) clashes with Allen’s rim protection (11 RPG, 2 BPG). Cleveland’s bigs could exploit Phoenix’s occasional interior vulnerabilities.
Phoenix’s offense (115 PPG) edges Cleveland’s, but the Cavs’ home defense (allowing 110 PPG) favors them.
The Suns have climbed with better health, while the Cavs have been inconsistent but strong at home.
Recent Team Forms
Phoenix enters hot on the road, while Cleveland seeks consistency after a mixed stretch.
Phoenix Suns (Last 10 Games: 7-3)
Averaging 114.2 PPG, allowing 109.8 (+4.4 margin)
Key wins: 115-101 at Washington (Dec 29), balanced attack; 108-105 at Minnesota (Dec 8), clutch defense.
Losses: Blowout 89-138 at OKC (Dec 10), exposing turnovers; earlier defensive lapses.
Form: W-W-W-L-W (Three straight road wins; Durant averaging 28 PPG recently, strong 47% FG efficiency).
Cleveland Cavaliers (Last 10 Games: 5-5)
Averaging 112.6 PPG, allowing 111.4 (+1.2 margin)
Key wins: Impressive road victory at San Antonio (Dec 29), big frontcourt dominance; 131-124 at Brooklyn (Oct 24, early season).
Losses: 119-111 at New York (Oct 22); recent home struggles vs. stronger East teams.
Form: W-L-W-L-W (Alternating, with Mitchell’s 25 PPG leading; solid rebounding at 46 RPG but perimeter defense issues).
Series History
The Suns lead the all-time series 72-51 in 123 regular-season games. Phoenix has won 4 of the last 6 meetings, including a 118-92 blowout on January 20, 2025, but Cleveland took the most recent, 123-112 on March 21, 2025. In the past 10 encounters, the Suns are 6-4. Games trend toward the over recently (5 of last 7), with averages around 225 points, though Cleveland’s home games vs. Phoenix often stay under 230.
Betting Trends
Spread: Cavs 5-5 ATS last 10; Suns 7-3 ATS on road streak.
Total Over/Under: Over in 6/10 Suns games; over in 5/7 recent H2H.
Other Trends: PHX 3-0 SU last 3 road; 6-4 ATS vs. East. CLE 2-3 SU last 5; 5-5 ATS at home; 2-3 ATS as favorites lately. Under in 7/10 Cavs home games.
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns 235.5
Cleveland Cavaliers – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
