Suns Open Season Without Green, Face Kings Amidst Rebuild
The Phoenix Suns begin their 2025-26 NBA season tonight, October 20th, against the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center, but will be without starting guard Jalen Green due to a hamstring strain.
Devin Booker, who recently signed a two-year, $145 million extension, will lead the Suns, now under first-year coach Jordan Ott, as they attempt to return to playoff contention after a disappointing previous season. Veteran sharpshooter Grayson Allen will start in Green’s place, a move General Manager Brian Gregory believes could lead to a breakout season for Allen. The frontcourt will feature second-year wing Ryan Dunn, Dillon Brooks, and rookie Mark Williams, acquired via a draft-night trade, who is being eased into a full season schedule.
The Kings will be without their own star player, Domantas Sabonis, for tonight’s matchup. Booker emphasized his commitment to bringing a championship to Phoenix, stating at Suns Media Day, “I have unfinished business here, I know how much [a championship] would mean to this city and this organization. That’s my job as a leader, that’s my responsibility for being a franchise player.” The Suns are shifting their focus from aggressively pursuing a title to a more patient developmental approach, a strategy reflected in the planned gradual integration of top-10 pick Khaman Maluach. This shift comes as the NBA landscape evolves, with teams increasingly prioritizing long-term growth alongside immediate competitiveness – a trend explored in detail by NBA.com.
Ott is prioritizing pace and spacing in the Suns’ offensive system, with Green noting the coach’s emphasis on “space is the most important thing.” The game will be televised on Arizona’s Family 3TV and Arizona Family Sports. The Suns’ success this season will hinge on developing chemistry and integrating new players, a challenge Booker acknowledges, stating, “We know the expectations aren’t high…It’s the perfect seat to be in.” You can find the full NBA schedule on ESPN.
Team officials stated they will continue to monitor Green’s injury and provide an update on his return as soon as possible.
