Suns Battle Hawks, Aim for Fourth Consecutive Win
The Phoenix Suns are poised to extend their winning streak as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday evening. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST, will be held in Atlanta.
Suns Aim for Fourth Consecutive Win
This matchup marks the second encounter between the two teams this season. In their previous game on November 17, the Hawks narrowly defeated the Suns 124-122. Onyeka Okongwu was a standout player for Atlanta, scoring 27 points, while Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 34 points.
Team Records
- Phoenix Suns: 27 wins, 17 losses (6th in the Western Conference)
- Atlanta Hawks: 21 wins, 25 losses (10th in the Eastern Conference)
Performance Insights
The Suns come into the game with a record of 13-12 on the road, while the Hawks have struggled at home with a 7-13 record. Atlanta leads the NBA with an impressive average of 31.0 assists per game, primarily attributed to Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 8.0 assists.
Defensively, the Suns rank third in the Western Conference, averaging 15.3 fast break points per game. Devin Booker is leading this effort with an average of 3.3 fast break points.
Shooting Stats
| Team | Field Goal Percentage | Points per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Hawks | 47.3% | Allow 119.1 |
| Suns | 46.7% | Average 114.7 |
Recent Team Form
Over the last 10 games, the Hawks have posted a record of 4-6, with averages of 112.5 points, 42.9 rebounds, and 30.3 assists per game shooting 44.2% from the field. Conversely, the Suns have excelled with a 7-3 record, averaging 112.0 points and shooting 44.5%.
- Hawks Recent Stats:
- Points: 112.5
- Rebounds: 42.9
- Assists: 30.3
- Suns Recent Stats:
- Points: 112.0
- Rebounds: 43.1
- Assists: 24.9
Key Players to Watch
For Atlanta, Okongwu averages 16.1 points and eight rebounds per game. Jalen Johnson has been consistent, averaging 21.1 points over the last ten games. For the Suns, Collin Gillespie contributes 13.4 points and 4.8 assists, while Devin Booker averages 21.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Injury Updates
The Hawks will miss multiple players, including Kristaps Porzingis (achilles), Zaccharie Risacher (knee), and N’Faly Dante (out for the season due to a knee injury). The Suns have no injuries reported.
This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings. The Suns look to capitalize on their momentum, while the Hawks strive to break their home court struggles.
