© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – Before the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, the Phoenix Suns will be finishing up a back-to-back and will enter Wednesday night’s matchup as an underdog as they take on the defending NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their offensive engine and late-game stabilizer. That’s not just a missing 30-plus points per night star, it’s the absence of a player who bends defensive coverages and manufactures efficient offense in tight possessions. The Thunder remain 7.5-point favorites, a nod to their depth that was the major reason that helped the Thunder take home the Championship. The Suns are +210 on the moneyline for a reason, as back-to-back fatigue and the absence of Grayson Allen, one of their most reliable floor spacers, are going to take their toll on Phoenix.
Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (left) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Although the Suns know they will have to play disciplined with the same energy that has recently propelled them. Phoenix just beat Dallas despite a massive free-throw gap on Tuesday night. That disparity is unsustainable against elite teams. Foul trouble inflates opponent efficiency, sets defensive rhythm, and neutralizes transition opportunities. If the Suns stay vertical, avoid reach-ins, and limit early bonus situations, the outcome will change.
Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For Suns fans, this isn’t about stealing a February game. It’s about proof of concept. Can Phoenix control tempo on tired legs, and can role players continue to absorb Allen’s spacing by committee? Phoenix doesn’t just head into All-Star Weekend with momentum after a win tonight. They are showing that structure, adjustments with coaching, and belief in the process can be successful and sustainable. Something that the Oklahoma City Thunder have laid out a blueprint for. Contenders manage margins, and they don’t rely solely on stars; they master possession value, free throws, turnovers, and defensive discipline.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
