The Phoenix Suns' playoff hopes hang by a thread as they welcome the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers to the Footprint Center in what promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes.
While the Suns have found a spark winning four of their last seven games - including Devin Booker's explosive 41-point performance against Chicago - they'll face a Cavaliers squad that's eager to snap an uncharacteristic three-game skid despite boasting the NBA's top offense at 122.4 points per game.
The shorthanded Suns (33-37) will have their work cut out against the road-tested Cavaliers (56-13) in a matchup that pits Phoenix's desperate push for a play-in spot against Cleveland's quest to regain their dominant form.
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers matchup, our predictive model gives the Cavs a 55% chance of defeating the Suns.
Cleveland Cavaliers: 55% win probability
- League-leading win record (56 wins in 69 games)
- Elite defensive efficiency (7728 points against in 69 games)
- Superior scoring output (8448 points scored, ranking 2nd in league)
Phoenix Suns: 45% win probability
- Inconsistent form (WWLWL in recent games)
- Below-average defensive record (8108 points against)
- Struggling win rate (33-37 record, 11th in Western Conference)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model brings together insights from top NBA experts. Instead of searching through countless expert analyses online, you can rely on our predictions to capture the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing expert picks, data, and trends, while our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. These confidence levels are then averaged to generate an 'expert opinion' win probability—providing a data-driven reflection of the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NBA analysts.
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers odds
Here are the latest odds for this NBA matchup as the Phoenix Suns host the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Friday, March 21.
| Phoenix Suns | Cleveland Cavaliers | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +240 (via Caesars Sportsbook) | -290 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) |
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preview
The red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers are hitting a rare rough patch at the worst possible time, dropping three straight games despite holding the East's best record at 56-13.
Friday's clash at the Footprint Center pits them against a desperate Phoenix Suns squad that's fighting tooth and nail to keep their playoff hopes alive in the West's final play-in spot.
The Cavs' league-leading offense (122.4 PPG) has been their bread and butter this season, but they'll need to tighten up defensively after letting the Kings shoot over 50% in their latest setback.
Evan Mobley's coming off a monster 31-point performance on 13-of-18 shooting, while the Suns counter with Devin Booker, who just torched the Bulls for 41 points in their last outing.
Phoenix's injury woes continue to mount with Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Mason Plumlee all sidelined, putting extra pressure on Booker and Durant to carry the offensive load.
The Suns' home court advantage (21-13 at Footprint Center) could prove crucial as they look to build on their recent momentum of winning four of their last seven games.
This matchup features two of the NBA's deadliest three-point shooting teams - Cleveland leads the league at 38.7% while Phoenix ranks third at 38.3% from downtown.
With Cleveland's recent defensive struggles and Phoenix's firepower, we might be in for an old-fashioned Western shootout in the desert.
Key stats
- 1Cavs sit 1st in East with 56 wins while Suns struggle at 11th in West with 33 wins
- 2Cleveland's defense leads with 7728 points against vs Phoenix's 8108 points allowed
- 3Suns show mixed recent form (WWLWL) compared to Cavs' rough patch (LLLWW)
- 4Cleveland's +720 point differential towers over Phoenix's -88 season margin
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers form
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers head to head
Phoenix Suns
83%
Cleveland Cavaliers
17%
Jan 20, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers
118 : 92
Phoenix Suns
Apr 4, 2024
Phoenix Suns
122 : 101
Cleveland Cavaliers
Mar 11, 2024
Cleveland Cavaliers
111 : 117
Phoenix Suns
Jan 9, 2023
Phoenix Suns
98 : 112
Cleveland Cavaliers
Jan 5, 2023
Cleveland Cavaliers
90 : 88
Phoenix Suns
Nov 25, 2021
Cleveland Cavaliers
115 : 120
Phoenix Suns
