Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans in a game (Image via Getty) The Phoenix Suns visit New Orleans on December 26, 2025, to face a short-handed New Orleans Pelicans team. With several guards unavailable on both sides, this game is likely to be decided by execution and depth rather than highlight plays.Phoenix Suns comes in at 16-13 and sits seventh in the Western Conference. Injuries have not slowed them much, and they continue to find ways to win. New Orleans Pelicans are 8-23 and near the bottom of the standings, but recent results at home show they can stay competitive, especially when expectations are low.
Injuries force changes to both rotations
The official injury report released late morning on game day shows both teams missing key pieces, particularly in the backcourt. Phoenix will be without Grayson Allen due to right knee injury management. Jalen Green remains out with a right hamstring strain and has missed most of the season.New Orleans is again without Herbert Jones, who is sidelined with a right ankle sprain after leaving early against Dallas. Dejounte Murray continues to recover from a right Achilles rupture and is not expected back until after the New Year. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are unavailable due to G League two-way assignments.Jordan Poole is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness. He recently returned from a quad issue, missed Tuesday’s game, and is expected to be close to playing.With these absences, Phoenix is leaning heavily on Devin Booker alongside Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, and Mark Williams. The Pelicans are expected to start Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, and Derik Queen, with Zion Williamson continuing to come off the bench.
Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Broadcast and streaming details (December 26, 2025)
The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT) at Smoothie King Center. It will be available nationwide on NBA League Pass. Local broadcasts include AZFamily and Suns+ in Phoenix, and Gulf Coast Sports and Pelicans+ in New Orleans. Fans can also stream the game on Fubo, YouTube TV, Sling with NBA League Pass, and DIRECTV Stream.
What to watch and betting outlook
Phoenix Suns is 18-9-2 against the spread and is coming off a 132-108 win over the Lakers. Dillon Brooks scored 25 points in that game, while Booker added 21 points and 11 assists. New Orleans Pelicans, despite their record, have won four of their last five games at home when listed as the underdog.Key matchups include Zion Williamson attacking inside against Mark Williams and Trey Murphy battling on the glass against Phoenix’s thin wing group. Booker’s scoring and passing will be central against a Pelicans backcourt missing regular contributors.Key Prop BetsPlayerLineProjection/Edge Points Devin Booker (PHX) 29.5 Strong matchup Rebounds Trey Murphy (NOP) 4.5 (Over -125) 6.8 projected Points+Rebounds+Assists Derik Queen (NOP) 34.0 20 PTS, 8.5 REB, 5.5 AST avg Points Zion Williamson (NOP) 25.0 Bench role factorPhoenix is favored by 5.5 points on the road, with the total set at 239.5. Given the injuries and expected pace, the under is in play. The outlook points to a Suns win, 118-110, with Booker setting the tone and Murphy keeping New Orleans competitive on the boards.