The Phoenix Suns ride into Miami hot. The Heat are trying to stop the slide. That’s the simple setup as Phoenix (24-15) meets Miami (20-19) on Tuesday night at Kaseya Center, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. It’s the first head-to-head of the season, and there’s plenty wrapped inside it: injuries to track, form lines moving in opposite directions, and a point spread that calls it close.

Suns vs. Heat injury report and availability

Phoenix will be without two guards. Jamaree Bouyea is out in concussion protocol after averaging 7.6 points across 19 games. Jalen Green is also out with a right hamstring strain. The good news: Jordan Goodwin is available despite a jaw sprain and will wear a protective mask.

Miami’s list is longer and trickier. Norman Powell, who has been a major scoring punch at 23.8 points per game, is questionable with lower back soreness. Terry Rozier remains out and is away from the team due to a sports gambling probe. Tyler Herro is available despite a right big toe and rib contusion, and rookie Pelle Larsson is available as well with a finger injury. Young pieces Myron Gardner, Vladislav Goldin, and Jahmir Young are on G League assignments and will not suit up.

“If Powell sits, where does Miami find 25 points of punch?”

Form guide: Suns streak vs. Heat skid

The Suns enter on a three-game win streak, having just posted home wins over Washington and New York before heading back on the road. The Heat have dropped three straight, including road losses at Oklahoma City and Indiana. In those defeats, Miami’s defense leaked second-chance points, and the turnover count hurt late-game execution.

Erik Spoelstra put it bluntly after losing to the Thunder: “The turnovers, offensively, for us allowed them to get back into it and then take control of it… they sped us up and forced us into an inordinate amount of mistakes.” That’s the central fix Miami needs tonight.

Key matchups and stats: turnovers, pace, and the glass

These teams both look for edges in tempo and shot quality. Miami wants to control pace, keep the ball safe, and let its half-court defense do the work. Phoenix can fly when it gets stops and steals. If the Heat cough it up, the Suns will run. If the Suns get stuck in a slow grind, Miami’s switching and help can shrink the floor.

• Devin Booker is averaging 25 points and 6 assists. His three-level scoring makes every Suns set dangerous.
• Dillon Brooks is at 21.2 points per game this season, adding another proven shot-maker to consider in this matchup context.
• Bam Adebayo remains Miami’s two-way engine at 16 points and 9 rebounds per game, the anchor on both ends.

On the glass, second chances could swing the fourth quarter. Phoenix wants to limit Bam’s impact on tip-outs and put-backs. Miami must gang rebound to keep the Suns from easy put-ins and kick-out threes.

“Booker vs. Bam is the chess match in winning time.”

What the odds say: Miami -1.5, total 230.5

Oddsmakers have Miami by 1.5 points with a total of 230.5. That’s a nod to the Kaseya Center bump and the Heat’s ability to squeeze games late, even during a rough patch. The number also reflects Phoenix’s strong form and top-end shot creation.

Norman Powell’s status looms over the line. If he plays, Miami adds downhill burst and late-clock scoring. If he sits, Herro and Adebayo will need more touches, while role players stretch into bigger minutes. For Phoenix, the losses of Bouyea and Green cut into ball-handling depth, but Booker’s control and Goodwin’s availability help soften that blow.

Rotation watch: who steps up?

With Rozier out and Powell uncertain, Miami’s guard rotation gets interesting. Expect a steadier dose of Herro on-ball, more dribble handoff action with Adebayo, and spacing from wings. Larsson’s availability gives Spoelstra another body, even if the rookie’s minutes are light.

The Suns will mix lineups to keep pace and keep Booker fresh for crunch time. Goodwin’s mask shouldn’t change his role much; he can still pressure the ball and keep the offense organized. Phoenix’s wings will be key chasing shooters and finishing fast breaks.

“Heat turnovers can’t fuel Suns transition again.”

Series history and stakes

This is the first regular-season meeting between the teams this year. Last season, they split 1–1, each winning at home. Historically, Miami trails Phoenix 33–40 in regular-season play, including a 17–20 mark in Miami and 16–20 on the road. The all-time numbers lean Suns, but the margins are thin.

Standings-wise, Phoenix sits sixth in the West at 24–15. Miami is eighth in the East at 20–19. For the Suns, another road win tightens their grip on top-six positioning. For the Heat, snapping the skid matters as much as the win itself; it restores rhythm and confidence before the schedule stiffens.

What to watch: simple, winning plays

Sometimes the game boils down to the basics. Miami needs two-way poise. Value the ball, rebound, and live with tough Booker shots instead of fouls or leak-outs. Phoenix needs to pressure the ball and make Miami’s shooters put it on the floor. Whichever team commits to simple winning plays for longer stretches likely walks out happy.

The star power is there. Booker can take over late. Bam controls both arcs. Powell’s availability is the swing piece for Miami’s scoring. And if role players hit open threes, the math flips fast.

Game info: Suns at Heat

• Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami
• Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
• Spread/Total: Heat -1.5, O/U 230.5

Bottom line: Phoenix’s form says “keep rolling.” Miami’s urgency says “this is the get-right game.” We’ll see which voice is louder when the lights come on on Biscayne Boulevard.