The Sacramento Kings (8-25) travel to Phoenix to face the Suns (19-14) in a Western Conference matchup where the struggling Kings aim to upset a Suns team looking to rebound from a recent road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With key injuries hampering both sides, this game could turn on Phoenix’s star power and home-court advantage against Sacramento’s depleted roster.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This 18,422-capacity arena has been the Suns’ home since 1992, known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern facilities, though attendance has been inconsistent during Phoenix’s up-and-down season.
Tip-off is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET (8:00 PM CT / 6:00 PM PT). The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports California and Arizona’s Family 3TV / Arizona’s Family Sports, with streaming options via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries are a major factor, with the Kings missing multiple starters and the Suns dealing with absences in their backcourt and frontcourt.
Sacramento Kings: Domantas Sabonis is out (left knee partial meniscus tear, expected to miss 4-5 weeks). Zach LaVine is out (left ankle sprain, re-evaluation January 1 but ruled out). Dylan Cardwell is out (G League two-way). Amari Williams is out (G League two-way). Keegan Murray is out (calf). Devin Carter is day-to-day (ankle). Drew Eubanks is out (thumb).
Phoenix Suns: Jalen Green is out (hamstring, re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks). Grayson Allen is questionable (knee). Ryan Dunn is questionable (undisclosed). The Suns have not submitted additional updates, but these issues could affect their perimeter shooting and defense.
Without Sabonis and LaVine, the Kings will rely on backups like Alex Len in the frontcourt and increased minutes for De’Aaron Fox. Phoenix may start Isaiah Livers or adjust with Dunn if Allen sits.
Player Matchups
Projected starters shift due to injuries, favoring Phoenix’s depth. Key battles to watch:
De’Aaron Fox (SAC) vs. Tyus Jones (PHX): Fox’s speed and scoring (25+ PPG) face Jones’ steady playmaking and defense. Without full support, Fox may struggle against Phoenix’s backcourt pressure.
Kevin Huerter (SAC) vs. Devin Booker (PHX): Huerter’s three-point shooting meets Booker’s elite scoring (27 PPG). Booker could exploit mismatches for mid-range buckets if Allen is out.
Harrison Barnes (SAC) vs. Bradley Beal (PHX): Barnes’ veteran presence clashes with Beal’s versatility (20 PPG, strong assists). Beal’s quickness might create open looks.
Keon Ellis (SAC, filling in) vs. Kevin Durant (PHX): Ellis’ defense tests Durant’s dominance (28 PPG, efficient shooting). Durant could dominate the wing without Murray.
Alex Len (SAC) vs. Jusuf Nurkic (PHX): Len steps in for Sabonis against Nurkic’s rebounding (double-double threat). Nurkic’s size may control the paint.
Phoenix holds advantages in scoring and rebounding, especially with Sacramento’s thinned lineup.
Recent Team Forms
The Kings have struggled, going 2-8 in their last 10 games with an average of 111.7 PPG scored and 117 allowed. Highlights include a 113-107 win over Dallas but losses exposing defensive woes, like a recent defeat to Boston on January 1.
The Suns are 6-4 in their last 10, averaging 115.1 PPG while allowing 112, with wins over strong teams but a 129-113 loss at Cleveland on December 31. They’ve improved at home, shooting efficiently (48% FG in wins).
| Team | Last 10 Games | Win Streak | PPG Scored | PPG Allowed | Key Trend |
| Kings | 2-8 | L3 | 111.7 | 117.0 | 1-4 in last 5 road games statmuse.com |
| Suns | 6-4 | L1 | 115.1 | 112.0 | 4-1 in last 5 home games actionnetwork.com |
Series History
The Suns lead the all-time series 149-107 in 256 regular-season games.
Phoenix has won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including both this season: 112-100 on November 26, 2025, and 120-116 on October 22, 2025.
The Suns are 6-4 in their last 10 home games vs. the Kings. The teams meet again on March 3 in Sacramento.
Betting Trends
Kings Trends: Sacramento is 15-18 ATS overall and 7-9 ATS on the road. They’ve covered in 5 of their last 6 but are 2-8 SU in their last 10. The over has hit in 6 of 10 games.
Suns Trends: Phoenix is 16-17 ATS and 9-7 ATS at home. They’re 5-0 ATS in their last 5 and 4-1 SU recently. The under has hit in 5 of 10 games.
Series Trends: In the last 10 meetings, the home team is 7-3 ATS, with the under hitting 6 times (average 220 points).
Game Odds
Sacramento Kings 226.5
Phoenix Suns – 12.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 1, 2026
