The Phoenix Suns visit the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. Phoenix enters the matchup with a 19-20 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference, while Washington holds a league-worst 6-32 record as the 15th team in the Eastern Conference. The Suns won their last meeting with the Wizards on February 4, 2024, in a 140-112 blowout.
Phoenix is looking to snap a skid in road games, having lost 11 of their last 13 contests away from home. Meanwhile, Washington is in the midst of a tough season, having dropped seven straight games. This game provides Phoenix an opportunity to improve its record against a struggling opponent.
Phoenix Suns Preview – Fixing Road Woes
The Suns are struggling on the road, most recently falling 122-117 to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite Devin Booker’s season-high seven three-pointers and 35 points, along with Kevin Durant’s 31 points, Phoenix could not overcome their defensive lapses. The Suns allowed 20 offensive rebounds, which proved costly in the loss.
Booker leads the team with 28.3 points per game and continues to be a focal point of the offense. Kevin Durant is also playing at a high level, averaging 27.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. With center Jusuf Nurkić out due to illness, Phoenix recently acquired Nick Richards in a trade to bolster their frontcourt presence. Richards is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds this season.
Bradley Beal may not play after sustaining an ankle sprain in the last game. The Suns will rely on their scoring depth, including contributions from Tyus Jones and their improved shooting efficiency, to secure a much-needed road win.
Washington Wizards Preview – Building for the Future
Washington continues to struggle, with their last win coming on New Year’s Day against Chicago. The Wizards’ 120-106 loss to Minnesota highlighted their defensive issues, as they rank last in the league in points allowed per game (122.6). Despite this, young players are gaining valuable experience as the team rebuilds.
Kyle Kuzma leads the Wizards with 22.8 points per game, while Jordan Poole contributes 20.3. Rookies Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George are seeing significant minutes, with Sarr posting double-digit points in 15 of his last 16 games. Bilal Coulibaly also impressed with a 15-point performance against Minnesota.
Washington’s focus remains on developing their young core and finding ways to stay competitive in games. However, they will need to improve their defense and rebounding to challenge the Suns effectively.
Betting Prediction
Phoenix is favored by 11.5 points, with the total set at 231.5. The Suns have the offensive firepower and experience to take advantage of Washington’s defensive struggles. With Booker and Durant leading the way, Phoenix should cover the spread.
Projected final score: Phoenix 125, Washington 110. The Suns cover the -11.5 spread, and the game goes under 231.5.
Pick: Phoenix -11.5, Under 231.5
