Phoenix Suns Embark on Crucial Road Trip as Devin Booker Seeks Season-High Against Struggling Defenses
The Phoenix Suns are ready to hit the road for a pivotal four-game trip after navigating a challenging slate of 14 games. Standing at a record of 16-13, they will kick off this journey with a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans, who sit at a dismal 8-23. Following their matchup with New Orleans, the Suns will face the Washington Wizards (5-23) on Monday and wrap up their trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-15) on Wednesday.
Fresh off an impressive 132-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns are eager to carry this momentum into their upcoming games. However, the trip will be devoid of Jalen Green, who is expected to be re-evaluated between January 5 and January 12 due to a hamstring strain that has limited his participation this season.
Bold Predictions for the Road Trip
As the Suns prepare for their road trip, several predictions emerge regarding their performance against these opponents.
Suns Split Games vs Pelicans, Win the Rest of the Trip
Despite their struggles this season, the Pelicans had a brief resurgence, winning five consecutive games before a recent loss to the Cavaliers. With Mark Williams’ availability uncertain, having not played on the second night of a back-to-back all season, the Suns could face a formidable challenge against New Orleans’ star forward Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen. While a 4-0 sweep is possible, the back-to-back games against the Pelicans will not be easy, particularly if New Orleans maintains its recent form. The Suns are predicted to finish the trip with a solid 3-1 record, potentially falling to the Pelicans in the first game.
Devin Booker Aims for Season High
Devin Booker has been regaining his offensive rhythm in recent games, bouncing back from a stretch of inconsistency. Heading to New Orleans—a city where he often shines—Booker looks poised to elevate his performance. Though he has yet to surpass the 40-point mark this season, the upcoming matchups against the league’s weakest defenses, including the Wizards and the Pelicans, could provide him with the perfect stage to finally achieve that milestone. This road trip presents an invaluable opportunity for Booker to solidify his offensive groove.
Suns Look to Reinstate Their Defensive Identity
The Suns’ defense has been a delightful surprise this season, especially after a slow start that belied low preseason expectations. Currently, Phoenix leads the league in steals per game with an impressive average of 11.0 and ranks 12th in defensive rating (113.7) as they enter this road trip. The matchups against the Pelicans and Wizards—teams struggling offensively, ranking 25th and 28th respectively—offer a chance for the Suns to break into the top 10 in defensive rating. However, maintaining focus and intensity is crucial; the Suns must not underestimate their opponents and must continue to showcase the effort that has characterized their play this season.
Tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans is set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. MST, marking the beginning of what could be a defining stretch for the Suns.
