Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers – NBA Preview – Jan 20, 2025

The Phoenix Suns (21-20) visit the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (35-6) on January 20, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland boasts a dominant 20-2 home record and looks to extend its strong season against a surging Suns team. Phoenix, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, has won six of its last eight games and seeks to carry that momentum into a challenging matchup.
The Cavaliers are coming off a 124-117 win over Minnesota despite missing key contributors like Evan Mobley. Meanwhile, the Suns continue to rely heavily on their star duo, with Durant and Booker combining for 71 points in their latest victory over Detroit. Both teams face injury concerns that could impact the game’s outcome.
Cleveland Preview – Staying Strong at Home
The Cavaliers have been nearly unbeatable at home this season, winning 20 of their 22 games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Donovan Mitchell has been the engine of the team’s success, averaging 27.9 points per game, including a stellar 36-point performance against Minnesota. Darius Garland complements Mitchell with his playmaking and scoring, contributing 29 points in the last game.
Cleveland’s defense has been elite, allowing just 112.1 points per game. The absence of Evan Mobley (calf) could challenge their interior defense, but Jarrett Allen remains a strong presence in the paint. Georges Niang and Caris LeVert have stepped up recently, adding scoring and versatility off the bench.
The Cavaliers are efficient on both ends, ranking in the top 10 in field goal percentage and opponent shooting percentage. If Cleveland can slow down Phoenix’s transition game and dominate the boards, they have a clear path to victory.
Phoenix Preview – Can the Stars Carry the Load?
The Suns have found their rhythm after a midseason slump, largely thanks to the stellar play of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Booker has been electric, averaging 30 points and seven assists over the last eight games. Durant adds 26.8 points per game while contributing on the defensive end.
However, Phoenix’s depth will be tested. Jusuf Nurkic remains sidelined with an illness, and Bradley Beal is day-to-day with an ankle sprain. In their absence, Nick Richards delivered an impressive debut, posting 21 points and 11 rebounds against Detroit. Richards will need to replicate that performance against Cleveland’s tough frontcourt.
Phoenix’s defense has been inconsistent, and their 8-12 road record highlights struggles away from home. To pull off an upset, the Suns must minimize turnovers and capitalize on Cleveland’s occasional lapses in transition defense.
Betting Prediction
Cleveland enters as 7.5-point favorites with a total set at 235.5. The Cavaliers’ home dominance and balanced attack make them a strong pick to cover the spread. Phoenix’s reliance on its stars may not be enough to overcome Cleveland’s depth and defensive edge.
Projected final score: Cleveland 118, Phoenix 108. Look for Cleveland to control the pace and limit Phoenix’s efficiency, with the total leaning under as the Cavaliers dictate the tempo.
Pick: Cleveland -7.5, Under 235.5