The Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns will meet on Friday night in the NBA. This is the first NBA Cup group stage game for these teams this year and they will try to get things started on the right foot in Phoenix. Here, I break down this important matchup for both teams and bring you my Jazz vs Suns prediction for Halloween night.
Our Jazz vs Suns Pick
- Pick: Phoenix Suns -3.5
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Utah Jazz @ Phoenix Suns
- Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 2025, 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ
- Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Key Storylines
The Suns are looking to rebound from a rough 1‑4 start and a four‑game losing streak. Their defense has been shaky, allowing 126 points through five games. That puts them in the bottom five in the league in points per game allowed.
The Jazz (2‑2) are showing greater defensive energy and rebounding ability, including in their recent overtime win against the Suns. Lauri Markkanen erupted for 51 points and 14 rebounds in Monday’s win over Phoenix. Keyonte George contributed 26 points and 10 assists, and Walker Kessler had 25 points, 11 boards, and four blocks. Utah would love repeat performances from all of those key players.
Isaiah Collier is listed as questionable (hamstring) and SF Georges Niang is out with a foot issue for the Jazz ahead of this game. Dillon Brooks is out (groin) and SG Jalen Green remains unavailable (hamstring) for the Suns. That duo’s absence weakens Phoenix’s rotation significantly going into a game they need to win.
The NBA Cup adds some additional intrigue to this game. The winner will be tied atop this group in the Western Conference going into the next round of cup games. Both teams were already desperate for wins and the NBA Cup will only add to their desperation.
Head‑to‑Head & Betting Trends
- Utah won the first matchup between these teams this season in overtime on Monday.
- Utah is a perfect 4-0 against the spread early in the season.
- Phoenix is 2-3 against the spread on the year.
- Utah is 3-1 to the over going into this matchup.
- Phoenix has gone 4-1 to the over through five games.
Best Player Props to Watch
| Player | Prop |
|---|---|
| Lauri Markkanen | Over 25.5 Points |
| Devin Booker | Over 30.5 Points |
| Walker Kessler | Over 10.5 Rebounds |
Jazz vs Suns Model Projection
Score Projection: Utah Jazz 120 – Phoenix Suns 125
Win Probability: Utah Jazz 42% | Phoenix Suns 58%
Final Thoughts
The Jazz already have a win over the Suns under their belt this season. But there is such a difference between winning at home in the NBA and on the road in terms of degree of difficulty. For that reason, I’ll go with the Suns to win this game and cover the spread on their home floor. Phoenix should be able to put up another big number offensively against the Jazz, while not quite letting Markkanen go off for 50-plus against them for the second straight time.
