NBA New Year's Clash: Cleveland Cavaliers Face Phoenix Suns in a Battle of East vs. West - Key Injuries and Momentum at the Forefront

The NBA's New Year's Day action tips off with an exciting East-West showdown as the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Phoenix Suns. The game, set for 04:30 on January 1st, highlights contrasting narratives of injury and form. The Suns arrive with a four-game winning streak, holding a 19-13 record, placing them sixth in the Western Conference. Their formidable trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal are all healthy, averaging a combined 68 points per game, with Booker showcasing impressive form, shooting over 60% in his last three games. The Cavaliers, positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference with an 18-16 record, face significant challenges due to injuries to key rotation players like Strus and Larry Nance Jr., impacting their perimeter defense. They rely heavily on the scoring prowess of Mitchell (averaging 29.5 points per game) and Garland, while Allen anchors their inside presence.