The stage is set for a compelling Western Conference showdown in the NBA as the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder travel to face the Phoenix Suns at the PHX Arena on Sunday, January 4, 2026. This matchup pits two franchises on contrasting trajectories early in the season, with clear playoff implications on the line.
Team Form and Season Narrative
The Oklahoma City Thunder arrive in Phoenix boasting the league's best record at an impressive 30 wins and only 5 losses. They are riding a wave of confidence with four consecutive victories and have established themselves as the team to beat this season through remarkable consistency. Their road record is a stellar 13-3.
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns hold a respectable 20-14 record but have faced challenges with injury management while striving to stay in the playoff picture. They have found more steadiness at home, where they are 11-5, and will look to leverage that advantage against the conference leaders.
Injury Report and Rotation Impact
The availability of key role players could significantly influence this contest. The Thunder's injury list is lengthy. Ousmane Dieng (right calf strain), Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain), Jaylin Williams (right heel bursitis), Thomas Sorber (ACL recovery), and Nikola Topic (rehab) are all ruled out. Furthermore, guards Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace are both tagged as questionable due to knee soreness, potentially thinning Oklahoma City's backcourt depth.
For the Phoenix Suns, scoring guard Jalen Green remains out with a right hamstring strain. Veteran Grayson Allen is listed as questionable as he manages a right knee injury. A positive note for the Suns is the availability of Jordan Goodwin, who is expected to play while wearing a protective mask after suffering a jaw sprain.
Key Matchups and Broadcast Details
The marquee individual duel will feature two of the league's elite scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the NBA with 32.1 points per game, and Phoenix's Devin Booker, averaging 25.7 points. However, the game may be decided by defensive execution and the contribution of supporting casts. Chet Holmgren (18 ppg, 8.2 rpg) is a crucial factor for OKC.
History this season favors the Thunder, who have won both prior meetings—a close 123-119 victory on November 28 and a dominant 138-89 win on December 10. Oklahoma City's defense, allowing just 107.1 points per game, will be tested by Phoenix's home offense.
Fans can catch the game live at 8:00 PM ET (6:00 PM local Phoenix time). Regional coverage will be provided by FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma and Arizona’s Family Sports, along with the Suns+ streaming service. National and international viewers can follow via NBA League Pass and the ESPN app. Local radio coverage includes ESPN 620 in Phoenix.
Betting Lines and Projections
Sportsbooks have installed the Oklahoma City Thunder as solid favorites, giving them a spread of 9.0 to 10.5 points. The Thunder moneyline is heavily favored, ranging from -400 to -440, while the Suns are around +340. The total points over/under is set between 228.5 and 231.5.
Despite the lopsided odds, Phoenix has covered spreads consistently this season. Popular player props include Devin Booker over 23.5 points, Chet Holmgren over 9.5 rebounds, and Dillon Brooks over 18.5 points. Final score projections generally point towards a Thunder victory in the range of 118-112, suggesting a competitive affair if the Suns can minimize errors on their home floor.
