TheNewsroom

Suns Look to Break Road Losing Streak Against Struggling Jazz

vishakha singh -

The Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz are set to clash on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This game promises to be an exciting showdown as the Suns aim to end a frustrating six-game road losing streak. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz, struggling with a 5-18 record, will be hoping to rebound from their recent setbacks and pull off an upset at home.

With the Suns sitting at 12-11, their season has been a mix of highs and lows. Despite a tough loss to the Orlando Magic last Sunday, Phoenix remains the favorite in this matchup. However, Utah’s unpredictable performances make them a potential threat to the Suns, despite their current struggles.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this Friday night showdown.

When and Where to Watch Suns vs. Jazz

Game Time & Location

  • Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

TV & Streaming Info

  • TV: Arizona Family Sports Network
  • Streaming: Available on fuboTV (free trial, regional restrictions may apply)
  • Ticket Price: $7.00 (for those attending the game)

Recent Performance: Suns' Struggles and Jazz's Setbacks

Suns: Can They End Their Road Woes?

The Phoenix Suns have struggled to find their rhythm on the road. With three consecutive losses before this game, Phoenix is under pressure to turn things around. Their most recent defeat came in a 115-110 loss to the Orlando Magic, where the Suns failed to capitalize on an early lead and allowed the Magic to rally back for the win.

Phoenix has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent, especially when playing away from home. Despite the loss to Orlando, the Suns still have a solid record of 12-11, and with a strong lineup, they are expected to perform better in this matchup against the Jazz.

Jazz: A Season of Disappointments

The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, have had an even more difficult season. With a 5-18 record, they’re near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Jazz were routed by the Sacramento Kings in their last outing, suffering a massive 141-97 defeat. This loss marks a painful seven-game losing streak against the Kings, showcasing the struggles Utah has had in their matchups.

Despite their disappointing team performance, some individual players, like Keyonte George, are showing promise. George, in particular, had an impressive game against the Kings, contributing 25 points, six assists, and five rebounds. His continued growth offers hope for the future, but the Jazz will need more than individual efforts to turn their season around.

Game Preview: What to Expect

Can the Suns Extend Their Dominance Over the Jazz?

The Suns have dominated their recent matchups with the Jazz, winning eight of the last ten games between these two teams. Phoenix took the win in their previous meeting this season, securing a 120-112 victory on November 12, 2024. Phoenix’s superior depth and scoring ability make them the favorites going into this game, but their road form is a concern.

With the Suns expected to win by at least eight points, the Jazz will need to put together a strong defensive effort and capitalize on any Suns’ mistakes if they are to have a chance. Utah has struggled defensively this season, allowing teams like Sacramento to score at will. Limiting turnovers and tightening up their defense will be key for the Jazz if they hope to avoid another loss.

Suns’ Road Performance vs. Home Court Advantage for the Jazz

One of the biggest challenges for Phoenix is their inability to close out games on the road. Despite their individual talent, the Suns have been plagued by inconsistency in away games, which has been a major factor in their extended losing streak. In contrast, the Jazz will have the advantage of playing at home, where they have historically played better—though this hasn’t been enough to overcome their current slump.

For the Jazz, improving their three-point shooting will be essential. In their previous game against Sacramento, Svi Mykhailiuk’s inability to score from beyond the arc (0-5) highlighted one of the Jazz's main issues. If Utah hopes to make this a competitive game, they need more consistency from their shooters, especially from key players like Mykhailiuk and George.

Betting Preview: Suns Are Big Favorites

Odds Breakdown

  • Phoenix Suns: 8-point favorite
  • Over/Under: 231.5 points
  • Spread Record: Suns are 8-5 against the spread when favored

The Suns come into this game as heavy favorites, with an 8-point spread against Utah. The line has moved considerably since opening with Phoenix as just a 5-point favorite, indicating confidence in the Suns’ ability to secure a road victory. For bettors, taking the Suns to cover the spread could be a good option, given their recent track record against the Jazz and Utah’s struggles.

Key Players to Watch

Phoenix Suns

  • Devin Booker: As always, Booker will be the focal point of the Suns’ offense. Expect him to drive the scoring and create opportunities for his teammates.
  • Kevin Durant: Durant’s presence on both ends of the floor will be key for Phoenix’s success. His ability to score in isolation and play tough defense makes him a matchup nightmare for the Jazz.

Utah Jazz

  • Keyonte George: After a strong showing against the Kings, George is a player to watch. If he can continue his upward trajectory, he could provide the spark Utah desperately needs.
  • Collin Sexton: Sexton needs to step up his game and provide a reliable second scoring option for the Jazz. If he can take some pressure off George, Utah might have a shot.

Series History: Suns Have Upper Hand

  • Nov 12, 2024 – Phoenix 120 vs. Utah 112
  • Feb 8, 2024 – Phoenix 129 vs. Utah 115
  • Nov 19, 2023 – Phoenix 140 vs. Utah 137
  • Nov 17, 2023 – Phoenix 131 vs. Utah 128
  • Oct 28, 2023 – Phoenix 126 vs. Utah 104
  • Mar 27, 2023 – Phoenix 117 vs. Utah 103

The Suns have consistently dominated Utah in recent matchups. With a history of close games, the Jazz will need to find a way to close the gap if they want to break their losing streak to Phoenix.

Final Thoughts: Will the Suns Break Their Road Losing Streak?

Phoenix enters this game with a clear advantage, especially considering their recent dominance over the Jazz. However, the Suns must overcome their road struggles to secure the win. Utah, while struggling this season, has the potential for an upset if they can find their rhythm and play to their strengths.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Suns can shake off their road woes or if the Jazz will pull off a much-needed home victory.