Date: January 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET and will air on NBA TV, NBCS-PH, and AZFamily.
Prediction: 76ers vs. Suns Preview

The Phoenix Suns (15-18) will try to snap their three-game road losing streak when they face the Philadelphia 76ers (14-19) at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The game is set for Monday,

76ers Key Players

• Tyrese Maxey: The rising star for Philly is having a stellar season, averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game (second in the NBA). His speed and scoring touch make him the engine of the 76ers’ offense.
• Kelly Oubre Jr.: A solid two-way player contributing 12.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Oubre’s athleticism can spark the team on both ends of the floor.
• Paul George: A seasoned veteran, George adds versatility with 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He’s also a reliable defender with 1.8 steals per game.
• Guerschon Yabusele & Caleb Martin: Role players who bring energy and hustle, combining for nearly 20 points and 9 rebounds per game.

Suns Key Players

• Devin Booker: The Suns’ playmaker is averaging 24.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Booker’s ability to score and facilitate makes him a key factor.
• Kevin Durant: Still one of the best in the game, Durant leads the Suns with 27.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while also being a defensive presence with 1.3 blocks per game.
• Tyus Jones: A steady hand at point guard, Jones contributes 12.6 points and 6.3 assists per game, making him a vital part of Phoenix’s ball movement.
• Royce O’Neale: A sharpshooter hitting 44.1% from three (eighth in the NBA), O’Neale adds 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
• Bradley Beal: Beal provides 17.8 points per game, shooting 48% from the field and 39.2% from three. His scoring will be critical for Phoenix to find offensive balance.

Team Insights

Philadelphia 76ers

• The 76ers struggle offensively, ranking 27th in points per game (107.6), but their defense is solid, allowing just 110.8 points per game (10th in the league).
• Rebounding is a weak spot, as they rank second-worst in the NBA with 39.9 rebounds per game.
• From three-point range, the 76ers make 12.1 threes per game (22nd) at a below-average clip of 33.9% (25th in the NBA).

Phoenix Suns

• The Suns are middle-of-the-pack offensively, scoring 112.1 points per game (15th), but their defense allows 114.4 points per game (20th).
• Rebounding isn’t their strength either, ranking 24th with 42.6 boards per game.
• However, the Suns excel from beyond the arc, ranking 9th in made threes per game (14.2) and 6th in 3-point percentage (37.6%).

Key Matchups to Watch

• Tyrese Maxey vs. Devin Booker: Both guards will dictate the pace of their teams. Booker’s playmaking vs. Maxey’s scoring efficiency will be pivotal.
• Joel Embiid vs. Suns’ Frontcourt: While not listed, Embiid’s dominance inside will challenge Phoenix’s ability to protect the paint.
• Three-Point Battle: The Suns have the edge here, but if the 76ers get hot, this could be a game-changer.

Win Probability

Prediction

This game feels like it’ll come down to execution in the final minutes. While Phoenix has the offensive firepower with Durant and Booker, the 76ers’ defense and home-court advantage keep them in the game. Expect a close battle, but the Suns might edge it out with their superior shooting.

Prediction: Suns 115, 76ers 112.