The Suns (27-19, 7th in Western Conference) have shocked the NBA this season, looking the part of a postseason contender. Phoenix will hope to improve its already stellar record tonight at home. Tuesday’s visitors, the Nets (12-32, 13th in Eastern Conference) have had a rough 2025-26 campaign. Still, Brooklyn plays hard for head coach Jordi Fernandez. Can this group notch an impressive upset?
The Suns are 8.5-point favorites (-115) over the Nets on DraftKings Sportsbook. Phoenix is favored at -380 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 210.5 points. Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns matchup.
Nets vs. Suns prediction, preview
Despite their modest 12 wins, there’s more to like about the Nets than some other last-place clubs. For starters, the team selected a whopping five players during the first round of last year’s NBA Draft. That influx of youth has led to some mixed results so far. Still, a learning curve is to be expected. 19-year-old Egor Demin is a work in progress, but he looks more comfortable with each passing week. Michigan alum Danny Wolf fits the mold of a quality role player, while fellow rookies Drake Powell and Nolan Traore have had their moments.
With that being said, the majority of production on Brooklyn’s roster comes from its veterans. Michael Porter Jr., acquired from the Nuggets this offseason, has been phenomenal. Through 36 games, the former NBA champion is averaging 24.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 48% from the field. He’s supported by fellow sharpshooter Cam Thomas (16.2 PPG). Down low, big men Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton offer up rebounding and rim protection. Still, the Nets rank just 26th in offensive and defensive rating.
Jordan Ott has done a terrific job in Phoenix this season, and should garner serious consideration for Coach of the Year. Seemingly overnight, the Suns have transformed into a deep, well-rounded club. They might not be title contenders, but postseason basketball is a reasonable expectation in the desert. Phoenix has a +2.4 net rating, 11th-best in the NBA. In comparison, this club ranked 23rd in that category (-3.1) last season.
The main catalyst for the Suns is leading scorer Devin Booker. However, the guard won’t suit up tonight due to an ankle injury. That means more work than usual for the rest of Phoenix’s starters, such as Dillon Brooks. The ninth-year pro has thrived during his first season with the franchise. Through 40 games, he’s posted 20.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Granted, that production can be hit-or-miss on any given night. Regardless, it’s more than even the most optimistic fan could have expected.
There’s the potential for an ugly, grind-it-out affair tonight. Phoenix is allowing the fifth-fewest points per game to opponents this season (111.8). On the flip side, Brooklyn isn’t too far behind at 13th (115.1). Sans Booker, the offensive talent for both sides is somewhat comparable. It’s no wonder the total for Tuesday’s game has been set at just 210.5. Suns sharpshooter Jalen Green (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable; his status will be one to monitor before tip-off.
Nets vs. Suns pick, best bet
Brooklyn has had moments of surprising competitiveness at various points this season. That hasn’t been the case recently; the Nets have lost by nine or more in four of their last five outings. That includes a January 19th matchup, at home, against the Suns. Granted, Booker did take the floor for that contest. Still, a follow-up meeting in the desert doesn’t bode well for the visitors tonight. Expect Phoenix to take care of business on Tuesday.
