Phoenix Suns Back

Phoenix Suns begin 2026-27 season tonight in Portland with hopes of improving off a 45-win regular season and playoff appearance.

Record Prediction

Donnie Druin: 48-34, 5th in West; Brendan Mau: 46-36, 6th in West.

Biggest X-Factor

Jalen Green's fit with Booker determines Suns' season outcome.

“Green, in my eyes, is truly the person who will determine the outcome of the Suns' season”

Player Most Likely to be Traded

Jalen Green emerges as trade candidate due to fit concerns with Booker.

“Green's been involved in trade discussions for awhile now, and he could be one of the biggest names available”

Player Most Likely to Emerge

Collin Gillespie steps into starting lineup after injuries.

“Gillespie stepped up in a major way last season and showed no drop off when he moved in the starting lineup”

Most Disappointing Candidate

Khaman Maluach faces high expectations after second-year leap.

“I so badly wanted to pick Fleming here, though Brendan did a good job explaining why he fits the billing so I'll take Maluach”

Who Wins NBA Finals?

San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder battle for championship.

“Victor Wembanyama and co. got a slight taste of success last season, though it wasn.”

Suns' Coaching Continuity

Jordan Ott in second season with Suns improves team stability.

“With that being said, the Suns have another year of continuity under their belt with Jordan Ott now in his second season coaching Phoenix”

Bridges' Role

Miles Bridges fills center void but faces adaptation challenges.

“Bridges was Phoenix’s biggest acquisition this offseason and immediately steps into the starting lineup to help fill a need of a bigger body”

Green's Future

Green's extension eligibility creates trade pressure if fit issues persist.

“With Green being extension eligible, the Suns will have to seriously consider trading him if he doesn't work next to Booker”

Suns' Depth

Suns' bench play and grit help secure additional wins.

“In the NBA, at least during vast stretches of the regular season, effort can will your team to wins”

Suns' Center Question

Mark Williams injury creates center position uncertainty.

“The center position is a big question mark without Mark Williams”

Suns' Trade Strategy

Suns monitor Green's fit to decide potential trade moves.

“Phoenix will have to monitor Green’s fit next to Booker closely as he could either have a breakout year or show he’s holding the Suns back”

Suns' Playoff Hopes

Suns aim for 48 wins and 5th Western Conference finish.

“The Suns begin the 2026-27 season tonight in Portland with hopes of improving off a 45-win regular season”

Suns' System Evolution

Ott's system evolution supports Suns' continued success.

“However, the Suns’ depth and the evolution of Jordan Ott’s system are the two biggest reasons why I feel Phoenix can continue to be successful this year”