The Suns will look to right the ship on Friday in a tough matchup against a scrappy Heat team on national TV.
Phoenix has struggled in a big way as of late, riding a four-game losing streak while dropping seven of its last eight. The absence of Devin Booker — who was playing at an MVP level, averaging 27.1 points, 5.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game — has taken a major toll on the team that was in first place in the West less than a month ago.
Booker sustained a groin injury in the Suns' loss to the Nuggets on Christmas Day and has not returned since. Phoenix is looking for players like Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet to step up in his absence, but the team hasn't had much success as of late.
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It will go up against a Miami team that is also trying to get its season back on track, owning a 20-19 record heading into this meeting.
All-Star Jimmy Butler has been great when he's on the floor, averaging 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game, but he has only played in 25 of the Heat's 39 games.
With Butler expected to be available, will Miami use this win to gain some momentum? Or will it be the home team that gets a much-needed win?
The Sporting News has you covered on everything you need to tune into this contest.
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Is Devin Booker playing tonight?
On Dec. 28, the Suns announced that Booker would be re-evaluated in four weeks due to a left groin strain. He will not be available for the matchup against the Heat on Friday, Jan. 6.
INJURY UPDATE: Further evaluation has confirmed that Devin Booker has sustained a left groin strain. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 28, 2022
What channel is Suns vs. Heat on?
- TV channel (national): ESPN
- TV channel (Phoenix): Bally Sports Arizona
- TV channel (Miami): Bally Sports Sun
- Live stream: Sling TV
In addition to regional broadcasts in Phoenix and Miami, Friday night's game between the Suns and Heat will air on ESPN. Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson will be on the call, with Jorge Sedano reporting from the sideline.
Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange for $40/month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $51/month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Suns vs. Heat start time
- Date: Friday, Jan. 6
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
Suns vs. Heat is scheduled to start around 10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 6 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The game will tip off around 7 p.m. local time.
Suns schedule 2022-23
Here are Phoenix's next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Jan. 6 | vs. Heat | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 8 | vs. Cavaliers | 8 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 10 | at Warriors | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Jan. 11 | at Nuggets | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 13 | at Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | — |
Heat schedule 2022-23
Here are Miami's next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Jan. 6 | at Suns | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 8 | vs. Nets | 6 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 10 | vs. Thunder | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Jan. 12 | vs. Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 14 | vs. Bucks | 1 p.m. | ABC |
