From Phoenix Suns On SI · · 1m 50s
Suns Pick Maluach for Opening Night Start
Phoenix Suns name Khaman Maluach as starting center for opening night game against Portland Trail Blazers.
In brief
Phoenix Suns name Khaman Maluach as starting center for opening night game against Portland Trail Blazers. Phoenix Suns named Khaman Maluach as starting center for opening night matchup against Portland Trail Blazers after preseason competition. Originally reported by Phoenix Suns On SI.
Suns reveal opening night lineup
Phoenix Suns have finalized their starting center and full starting lineup ahead of opening night matchup against Portland Trail Blazers.
Maluach gets starting nod over Ighodaro
Khaman Maluach has been named starting center over Oso Ighodaro after preseason competition following Mark Williams' torn labrum injury.
Maluach to start and stay
Coach Jordan Ott says Maluach will start tonight and likely remain the starting center moving forward.
Ott's pregame comments
Ott said they need 48 minutes of great center play and have two developing centers who want to play hard.
Maluach's background
Maluach enters second season after limited play last season but has strong offseason performance.
Suns' full starting lineup
Phoenix's starting lineup against Portland includes Jalen Green, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges and Khaman Maluach.
Suns' rotation
With Luke Kennard out due to knee injury, Suns will use nine-man rotation instead of ten.
Suns' history vs Blazers
Suns have won last four season openers but seek revenge after Blazers beat them in No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in game.
Portland's new backcourt
Portland features new coach Micah Nori, Damian Lillard returning from Achilles injury and Ja Morant as new trade acquisition.
Ott's Portland analysis
Ott noted Portland's fast pace, Damian Lillard's shooting ability and aggressive defense.
Key matchup for Suns
Suns must slow down Deni Avdija who has been successful against Phoenix in past games.
Game time
Tonight's game tips off shortly after 7 p.m. MST.
The main idea
Phoenix Suns named Khaman Maluach as starting center for opening night matchup against Portland Trail Blazers after preseason competition.
