The Phoenix Suns travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies in a Western Conference clash that could see Phoenix’s star-studded lineup overpower a shorthanded Memphis team fighting through injuries. With the Suns aiming to build on their playoff positioning and the Grizzlies looking to snap a potential skid at home, this matchup offers intrigue for fans and bettors alike, particularly in perimeter shooting and interior battles. Below is a comprehensive analysis of all key elements.
Venue Location
The game will be held at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. This 18,119-seat arena has been the Grizzlies’ home since 2004 and is known for its rowdy crowd, though Memphis has posted a middling 8-9 home record this season.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET. The game will air on regional networks like FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (for Grizzlies fans) and Arizona Family Sports (for Suns fans), with national streaming available via NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have hovered around .500 lately, but Phoenix shows more upside with their veteran core, while Memphis has battled injuries.
Phoenix Suns: The Suns are 6-4 in their last 10 games, including a recent 108-105 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder but a 100-97 loss to the Houston Rockets on January 5. They average 116.8 points per game (14th) with solid defense (113.2 allowed, 9th) and a +3.6 net rating. Strengths include three-point shooting (14.2 3PM, 7th) and free-throw accuracy (81.2%, 5th), though they’ve gone 3-2 in their last five road games.
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are 4-6 in their last 10 games, capped by a 120-114 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on January 4. They average 115.4 points (19th) but allow 116.8 (21st), with a -1.4 net rating. Playmaking shines (29.1 APG, 3rd), but rebounding (45.8 RPG, 8th) hasn’t translated to wins, as they’ve dropped four of their last six home contests.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| Phoenix Suns | 6-4 | L 100-97 @ HOU | 19-13 vs. West; OVER in 7 of last 10; 4-5 in one-possession games |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 4-6 | L 120-114 vs. LAL | 2-3 last 5; 13.3 3PM per game; 2-3 ATS last 5 |
Injury Report
Injuries heavily favor Phoenix, as Memphis deals with multiple key absences in the backcourt and frontcourt.
Phoenix Suns:
Jamaree Bouyea (G): Out (concussion protocol) – Bench depth hit.
Jordan Goodwin (G): Out (undisclosed) – Minimal rotation impact.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Ja Morant (G): Questionable (right calf contusion) – Star point guard; major loss if out (23.1 PPG, 7.8 APG).
Cedric Coward (F): Questionable (left ankle sprain) – Adds athleticism off bench.
John Konchar (G): Out (undisclosed) – Expected back Jan. 11; perimeter defense affected.
Brandon Clarke (F): Out (undisclosed) – Expected back Jan. 15; rebounding and energy depleted.
Zach Edey (C): Out (undisclosed) – Expected back Jan. 9; rookie big man impacts paint presence.
espn.com +2
Monitor pre-tip updates, especially for Morant, as his status could swing the game.
Player Matchups
Without full health for Memphis, Phoenix’s veterans could dominate, but Grizzlies’ young talent poses threats in transition.
Devin Booker (PHX) vs. Ja Morant (MEM, if available): Booker leads Phoenix with 26.4 PPG and 6.2 APG, excelling in mid-range (48% FG). Morant (23.1 PPG, 7.8 APG) counters with explosiveness, but his calf issue may limit burst, allowing Booker to exploit Memphis’ 21st-ranked defense.
Kevin Durant (PHX) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM): Durant (28.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG) brings unmatched scoring versatility against Jackson Jr. (22.6 PPG, 2.4 BPG), the league’s top shot-blocker. This forward duel could highlight rebounding, where Memphis edges Phoenix (+2.5 RPG).
Bradley Beal (PHX) vs. Desmond Bane (MEM): Beal (18.7 PPG) provides secondary creation, facing Bane (21.4 PPG, 41% 3PT), who’s key for Memphis’ spacing (13.3 3PM per game). Beal’s quickness could test Bane’s defense.
Jusuf Nurkic (PHX) vs. Jock Landale (MEM, potential starter): Nurkic (12.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG) dominates boards against Landale (if Edey out), exploiting Memphis’ frontcourt depth issues.
Watch for Suns’ three-point volume (14.2 3PM) vs. Grizzlies’ perimeter D.
Series History
Phoenix holds the all-time regular-season edge, leading 62-48 in 110 games. In the last 10 meetings, the Suns are 7-3 SU, with games averaging 228.4 total points. Memphis won their most recent clash earlier this season, but Phoenix has dominated rebounding (44.2 vs. 41.8 RPG) and shooting (47.1% FG vs. 45.6%) in recent wins. Overall, the Suns are 19-13 against Western foes this year.
Betting Trends
Phoenix: 18-18 ATS overall (8-8 ATS road); OVER in 7 of last 10; 7-3 ATS vs. Memphis in last 10; 4-1 ATS as road favorites.
Memphis: 17-18 ATS overall (7-10 ATS home); 2-3 ATS last 5; UNDER in 7 of last 10 vs. Phoenix; 8-10 ATS at home.
| Category | Phoenix | Memphis |
| ATS Overall | 18-18 | 17-18 |
| ATS Last 10 | 6-4 | 4-6 |
| O/U Overall | 19-17 | 16-19 |
| O/U Last 10 | 7-3 | 4-6 |
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns – 4.5
Memphis Grizzlies 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
