On January 9, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks will face off against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, with both teams eager for a turnaround as they enter the evening with struggling records of 19-18 and 16-19, respectively. This matchup not only holds significance for playoff positioning but also for the individual performances of star players under the spotlight.
With the game set to tip off at 9:00 PM ET, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, reflecting both enthusiasm and anxiety from the fan bases. The Hawks, who recently enjoyed a narrow victory against the Utah Jazz, are now on the road aiming to gain momentum toward the playoffs. Star player Trae Young has been exceptional, recently logging another 20-point, 20-assist game. He scored 24 points and dished out 20 assists against the Jazz, showcasing his capacity to impact the game massively.
On the other hand, the Suns are coming off of a disappointing loss, falling to the Charlotte Hornets by 115-104, and they’re eager to right the ship. At the core of Phoenix's issues has been the inconsistent play from key individuals like Devin Booker and the presence of trade rumors swirling around the organization. Booker scored 39 points against Charlotte, demonstrating his offensive prowess, but the team has struggled overall, losing eight of their last ten games. The Suns face mounting pressure as they attempt to climb out of the bottom half of the Western Conference standings.
Without Jalen Johnson, the Hawks face challenges on both ends of the floor. The second-year forward has been sidelined due to injury and will miss his third consecutive game. The Hawks will be relying heavily on Young, but they will also look to others like Dyson Daniels and Clint Capela to step up. Daniels is coming off recent strong performances, including contributing significantly against Utah.
Meanwhile, the Suns have made significant changes to their lineup, including bringing Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic off the bench. This unconventional approach has fueled speculation about potential trades, with the Suns reportedly exploring options for Nurkic, who has fallen out of favor as the team reevaluates its roster. The decision to bench Nurkic is particularly notable as it indicates not just the team’s immediate strategy but also its long-term objectives.
Looking at betting odds, the Suns have been set as 6.5-point favorites for this matchup, reflecting their need to secure home-court advantage and start climbing back toward .500. Historically, both teams have demonstrated fluctuations, leading many analysts to believe the Hawks could cover the spread, particularly against the Suns' recent turmoil.
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant will be pivotal to the Suns’ strategies, especially against the Hawks’ defense, which has been among the worst this season. With Atlanta ranking 28th for points allowed, the Suns must exploit this weakness if they want to take home the win. Ironically, they will need to shore up their defensive efforts to resist Young’s playmaking abilities. If the Hawks can keep the score low and defend efficiently, they might stand a great chance against Phoenix.
The matchup is not just intriguing for its immediate consequences; both teams have playoff aspirations and require wins to stay relevant as the All-Star break approaches. With all eyes on the Footprint Center, the outcome could have ripple effects beyond this one night, affecting the future trajectories of both franchises.
Fans should tune in to watch the game broadcast live on NBA League Pass, as this clash between the Hawks and the Suns shapes up to be pivotal for both squads. Expect plenty of drama as the game unravels, and will Trae Young continue to lift his team without Johnson? Or can the Suns find their footing amid the swirling uncertainty?