After a tough 1-2 road trip, the Suns are back home and ready to face the Hawks.
Who: Atlanta Hawks (19-18) @ Phoenix Suns (16-19)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: NBA TV, AZFamily, Suns Live
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Ready or not, the Atlanta Hawks are in town to take on the Phoenix Suns.
No, the Hawks aren’t on a winning streak, but that doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to the Suns. The Suns will take on any team, hot streak or not, in any shape or size. If you’re looking to get back on track or steal a win against a desperate Suns team eager to turn things around, just roll into town and grab one.
I’m genuinely nervous about this game. The Hawks’ pace and athleticism, combined with Trae Young’s ability to shoot the lights out and take over at key moments, make them a serious threat to steal the game from the Suns. This might be one of those games where you consider skipping the second half. Or avoiding it altogether.
After this game-winner, Trae might want to keep you glued to the game for other reasons.
TRAE YOUNG GAME-WINNER FROM HALF-COURT
WHAT AN ENDING IN UTAH pic.twitter.com/AbVyAzmvxA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 8, 2025
The Hawks are a very hot-and-cold team, but if the Suns take their foot off the gas and relax, as they did in Tuesday night’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets, this game could be over quickly. Consistency and focus will be key for the Suns if they hope to avoid another disappointing outcome.
Trae Young’s ability to dictate the tempo and create offense makes the Hawks dangerous, even when they’re not at their best. The Suns must stay disciplined on defense and control the boards to limit the Hawks’ second-chance opportunities. If the Suns can match Atlanta’s energy and avoid careless mistakes, they’ll have a strong chance to win the game.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Royce O’Neale — OUT (Ankle Sprain)
Hawks
- Onyeka Okongwu — DAY-TO-DAY (Facial Contusion)
- Cody Zeller — OUT (Personal)
- Bogdan Bogdanovic — DAY-TO-DAY (Lower Leg)
- Jalen Johnson — OUT (Shoulder)
- Larry Nance Jr — OUT (Right Hand)
- Kobe Bufkin — OUT (Shoulder)
Uniform Matchup
What to Watch For
The Energy
If what Suns guard Devin Booker says below is true, the team’s energy needs to stay at 100% for all 48 minutes. Maintaining focus and intensity from start to finish will be crucial to securing a victory in this matchup.
“You can’t have that. The vibes and communication being high when we have it rolling and things going well and then when we get in a tough spot, just fold.” Devin Booker.
“I just want to see the energy. Energy & effort high no matter what the score is. Just keep playing” #Suns pic.twitter.com/oxAk4lqzUT
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 8, 2025
It is heartbreaking to hear Booker have to talk about the energy, but it is true, the Suns lack it and need every ounce of it to stay in any game against any opponent.
The Hustle
You can count on hustle from Josh Okogie and Ryan Dunn, but when it comes to the Hawks, hustle defines their entire team. The stats below back this up.
- #2 – Deflections/Game 19.6
- #4 – DEF Loose Balls Recovered / Game 2.8
- #4 – Contested 3FGM / Game 17.8
- #5 – Loose Balls Recovered / Game 5.0
- T7 – Total Charges Drawn 19
- #9 – Contested Shots / Game 40.9
Again, you might want to steer clear of this game because it could easily get out of hand.
The Pace
The Hawks are currently second in the league in pace, while the Suns sit at 22nd. At times in this game, it will be clear that the Suns, as usual, have to grind for every two points, while the Hawks seem to score with ease on fast breaks and numerous finishes at the rim.
The disparity in pace is a significant concern because the Suns have yet to establish their identity in this area. They often seem caught between styles, and against a team as quick and athletic as the Hawks, that could spell trouble. If the Suns can’t dictate the tempo, they risk being run out of the gym.
Prediction
The Suns will lose until further notice.
Hawks 128, Suns 101