# Phoenix Suns 2026-27 Season Preview > Phoenix Suns aim for 48 wins and playoff push with Jalen Green as key X-factor. - Title: Phoenix Suns 2026-27 Season Preview · Phoenix Suns On SI - Summary: Phoenix Suns aim for 48 wins and playoff push with Jalen Green as key X-factor. Phoenix Suns project 48 wins and 5th Western Conference finish with Jalen… - Keywords: phoenix suns, jalen green, donnie druin, brendan mau, nba, 2026-27 season, playoffs, x-factor, trade candidate, miles bridges, collin gillespie, khaman maluach - Source: Phoenix Suns On SI — https://si.com/nba/suns/onsi/phoenix-suns-2026-27-season-preview-predictions-x-factors-bold-calls - Published: 2026-10-21T18:51:27+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: phoenix suns, jalen green, donnie druin, brendan mau, nba, 2026-27 season, playoffs, x-factor, trade candidate, miles bridges, collin gillespie, khaman maluach ## 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 ## Key takeaway Phoenix Suns project 48 wins and 5th Western Conference finish with Jalen Green's fit as critical factor for success.