Key Players to Watch in Suns’ Opener Against Jalen Green’s Team
The Phoenix Suns are set to begin their 2025-26 regular season on October 22 against the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This opener comes with key player absences and strategic adjustments, offering plenty of intrigue for fans.
Key Players to Watch
In the absence of Jalen Green, who is sidelined due to a right hamstring injury, Grayson Allen is expected to take the starting spot for the Suns. Green, who played all 82 games in the last two seasons, injured his hamstring during training camp and subsequently reaggravated it in China.
- Expected Starting Lineup: Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, Mark Williams
- Grayson Allen’s Status: Allen is listed as probable because of left hip soreness.
Coaching and Style of Play
First-year head coach Jordan Ott brings a fresh approach to the Suns, having previously served as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His offensive philosophy emphasizes ball and player movement, along with strategic cuts and screens.
The Suns averaged 29.7 fouls during preseason, which may drive Ott to leverage his bench more extensively. With a fast-paced game style, the Suns’ rotation could include up to 10 players, mirroring the Cavaliers’ approach where 12 players averaged significant minutes last season.
- Fouls and Minutes: Last season, the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell led in minutes, averaging over 31. Suns’ Devin Booker log 37.3 minutes per game last year.
- Potential Bench Contributions: Players like Collin Gillespie, Nick Richards, and Royce O’Neale are expected to play pivotal roles in providing depth.
New Rookies to Monitor
The Suns drafted Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming, both of whom have showcased their skills in preseason. Maluach, who performed impressively against Deandre Ayton, stands out with his physicality. However, given his age and inexperience, Fleming may also be an early contributor.
- Khaman Maluach: 19 years old, scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against the Lakers.
- Rasheer Fleming: Athletic 6-8 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, focusing on defense and rebounding.
Anticipated Suspense
Dillon Brooks, known for his competitive nature, is expected to continue his trend of drawing technical fouls. Over the last three seasons, he has accumulated a significant number of technical calls, finishing second in the league last season with 16.
As the Suns gear up for their matchup against the Kings, the absence of Jalen Green and the introduction of new strategies will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats. How the team adjusts to these dynamics will be crucial in the season ahead.
