Suns Aim to Snap Losing Streak as Jazz Seek Road Redemption
The Phoenix Suns are set to host the Utah Jazz in what’s shaping up to be an exciting Western Conference clash this Friday night. The matchup tips off at 10 p.m. ET from the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and it comes with plenty of storylines — from losing streaks to redemption arcs and standout performances.
The Jazz enter this contest with a 2–2 record, while the Suns are off to a rough 1–4 start. Interestingly, Utah already holds a 1–0 edge in the season series, having defeated Phoenix earlier this week in a 138–134 overtime thriller. In that game, Lauri Markkanen absolutely went off — dropping a career-best 51 points to lead the Jazz past the Suns, who were three-point favorites heading into that matchup. Despite the victory, Utah couldn’t keep the momentum rolling, losing a nail-biter 136–134 against Portland on Wednesday. Markkanen still shined in that loss, adding 32 more points.
For Phoenix, things haven’t gone as planned since their season-opening comeback win over the Sacramento Kings. Since then, they’ve suffered four consecutive defeats, including a heartbreaking 114–113 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points that night, but his missed three-pointer at the buzzer sealed their fate after Ja Morant’s game-winning shot with just seconds remaining.
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The Suns, however, have history on their side. They’ve beaten Utah in nine of their last ten meetings, and even their recent loss came in overtime on the road. They’ll be determined to flip the script at home, where they’ve won one and lost one so far this season.
Injury concerns remain a factor for both teams. The Jazz will be without forward Georges Niang due to a foot injury, while the Suns are missing Dillon Brooks, who’s sidelined with a core issue. Guard Jalen Green also remains out with a hamstring strain, though his status could change closer to tip-off.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Suns are favored at -155 on the moneyline, with the Jazz sitting at +125. The spread stands at Suns -3.5, and the over/under is set at 237.5 points. Considering both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs recently — with Utah’s last two games soaring past the 250-point mark — the over looks like an appealing play.
Predictions lean toward the Suns snapping their losing streak with a 129–124 victory. They’ve been close in nearly every loss, and home-court advantage could finally tilt things their way. Still, the Jazz have been strong against the spread and continue to play competitive basketball.
One thing’s certain — fans can expect another fast-paced, offense-driven showdown as the Suns look to bounce back and the Jazz aim to prove their early-season spark isn’t a fluke.
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