Two teams on opposing sides of momentum meet up, as the Phoenix Suns look to stay hot while the Miami Heat hope to hop out of the loss column.

Catch the game tomorrow, January 14th, at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Phoenix Suns (24-15, 10-10 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Collin Gillespie
  • Devin Booker
  • Grayson Allen
  • Dillon Brooks
  • Mark Williams

The Suns’ turnaround has been one of the quieter success stories this season, but it’s becoming harder to ignore. Phoenix has won nine of its last 11 games, averaging 115.7 points per night with a strong +9.8 point differential. This new-look group feels balanced, confident, and far more connected than 2024-25 (or 2023-24 for that matter), with contributions coming from up and down the roster instead of just one or two stars.

Devin Booker remains the headliner at 25.3 points per game, but the real surprise has been Dillon Brooks. Slotted as more of a role player, Brooks is suddenly putting up a career-best 21.1 points and giving Phoenix another reliable scoring option who doesn’t need plays drawn up for him. Around them, Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, Royce O’Neal, Mark Williams, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro form a versatile group that rebounds, defends, spaces the floor, and generally does the dirty work.

Defense has quietly become a calling card. The Suns rank top six in both points allowed and defensive rating, allowing them to control tempo and survive cold shooting nights. If that defensive focus travels, Phoenix is well-positioned to keep rolling.

HOME: Miami Heat (20-19, 13-6 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Davion Mitchell
  • Tyler Herro / Norman Powell
  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Bam Adebayo
  • Kel’el Ware

The Heat are heading in the opposite direction. They’ve dropped three straight games, scoring just 103.3 points while allowing a concerning 123.0 per contest during that stretch. Defensive breakdowns, uneven offense, and lineup instability have all played a role, and Miami is still searching for answers.

Tyler Herro has only appeared in nine games this season and is now in just his fourth game back. He’s mostly looked like himself, but rust is inevitable after missing all that time due to injury. Bam Adebayo’s struggles have been more surprising – he’s averaging 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds on just 44.6% shooting, including a rough 31.7% from three. Norman Powell, the team’s leading scorer at a career-high 27.8 points per game, may miss a second straight contest with a back injury, which would be another major blow.

One steady presence has been Davion Mitchell, whose defense and passing have stood out. He ranks sixth in assists and is posting 7.4 per game, which helps Miami stay organized on certain nights. The Heat still play at the fastest pace in the league, and with Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, Nikola Jović, and Kel’el Ware all capable of popping off, Miami always carries volatility, for better or worse.

PICKS

Spread: Suns (+1.5)
Over/Under: Over (231)