Heat vs. Suns: Injury Updates, Lineups, and What to Watch For in Sunday’s Matchup
Sunday night in Phoenix brings a showdown between two teams trying to find their rhythm amid injuries and a packed schedule. The Miami Heat, in the thick of a grueling five-game road trip, will face the Phoenix Suns-who are navigating their own challenges with star guard Devin Booker sidelined.
Let’s break down the key storylines, injury updates, and what fans should be watching as these two squads clash in the desert.
Injury Report: Key Names Missing on Both Sides
The biggest headline heading into this one? Devin Booker is out.
The Suns’ All-Star guard exited their last game against the Hawks after tweaking his ankle late in the third quarter. He was rolling before the injury, dropping 31 points in just 28 minutes on an efficient 12-of-21 from the field, including five threes.
His absence leaves a massive scoring and playmaking hole for Phoenix to fill.
Miami, meanwhile, is also shorthanded. Tyler Herro is out with a rib injury, and recent acquisition Terry Rozier isn’t with the team. That’s two primary scoring options unavailable, which puts even more pressure on Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell to carry the offensive load.
Here’s a look at the full injury report:
Miami Heat
- Tyler Herro: Out (ribs)
- Terry Rozier: Out (not with team)
- Vladislav Goldin: Out (G League)
- Jahmir Young: Out (G League)
- Kel’el Ware: Questionable (hamstring)
Phoenix Suns
- Devin Booker: Out (ankle)
- Jordan Goodwin: Available (jaw)
- Jalen Green: Questionable (hamstring)
The Schedule Doesn’t Do Miami Any Favors
This game marks the fourth stop on a five-game road trip for the Heat, and it’s the front end of a back-to-back-one of 17 on their schedule this season, the most in the league. Fatigue is a real factor here, especially with a thin rotation. Miami will need to dig deep, especially on the defensive end, to keep up with a Suns team that’s still dangerous even without Booker.
Suns Trending Up Despite Latest Loss
Phoenix has quietly put together a strong stretch, going 12-5 over their last 17 games. Even with the recent 110-103 loss to Atlanta, they’ve been playing solid basketball. Before Booker went down, the Suns were up seven late in the third quarter, showing how much of an engine he is for their offense.
With Booker out, expect more touches for players like Royce O’Neale and Dillon Brooks, while Collin Gillespie will likely take on more ball-handling duties. If Jalen Green is available, his shot creation will be critical.
Projected Starters
Miami Heat
- G Norman Powell
- G Kasparas Jakucionis
- C Bam Adebayo
- F Pelle Larsson
- F Andrew Wiggins
Phoenix Suns
- F Royce O’Neale
- F Dillon Brooks
- C Mark Williams
- G Devin Booker (out)
- G Collin Gillespie
Note: With Booker out, expect lineup adjustments before tip-off.
Quotable: Heat Players Emphasize Defense and Shot Selection
Heat center Bam Adebayo spoke candidly about the team’s defensive mindset:
*“They're NBA players at the end of the day.
You can't just give guys dare shots or 'we'll live with him making shots' because that's how guys get rhythm. That's how it can burn you in the end.
For us, it's just taking that matchup personal from the start.” *
It’s a clear message: no more gambling on low-percentage shooters. Every possession counts, especially with a depleted lineup.
Norman Powell, stepping into a larger offensive role, addressed Miami’s recent struggles from beyond the arc:
*“We've got to find a balance.
If the shots aren't going the way we like, we've got to find a different flow to attack the game. Getting good quality looks rather than just getting looks up.”
It’s a veteran take-this team needs to be smarter, not just faster.
Tip-Off Details
- Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Phoenix
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network
- Betting Line: Heat +9.5
What to Watch
- **Can Bam Adebayo impose his will inside? ** With Booker out, the Suns may lean more on perimeter play.
Bam’s ability to dominate the paint could be a difference-maker.
- **Who steps up for Miami offensively?
** With Herro and Rozier sidelined, the Heat need a spark-whether it’s Powell, Wiggins, or a surprise contributor like Jakucionis.
- **Will fatigue catch up to the Heat?
** This back-to-back stretch is no joke, especially on the road. How Miami manages minutes and energy could decide the game late.
- **Can Phoenix find enough scoring without Booker? ** They’ve got depth, but replacing 30+ points a night is no easy task.
This one’s shaping up to be a test of depth, grit, and execution. Both teams are banged up, but the opportunity is there for role players to shine. Don’t be surprised if this turns into a grind-it-out battle where hustle plays and second-chance points make the difference.