Suns To Answer Several Big Questions Before Regular Season Even Starts

The much anticipated 2026-27 season is much closer than it appears to be for the Phoenix Suns - as much was evidenced when the organization announced the five-game preseason slate that they will face prior to the regular season opener in late October. 

The Suns are entering the second season of the Jordan Ott era with largely the same roster compared to the 45-win team a season ago, but the franchise did make one major chance that will require tinkering to figure out optimal fits, this move being the trade for controversial forward Miles Bridges.

The change-up in the presumed starting lineup will likely require a more conventional approach to preseason play than was anticipated prior to the trade - the schedule that Phoenix drew will present sufficient challenges that will allow for Ott to be more assertive as a lineup manager and tactician in preparation for the 82-game gauntlet.

October 5: @ Detroit Pistons

October 7: @ Chicago Bulls

October 10: Vs. San Antonio Spurs

October 14: @ Spurs

October 16: Vs. Utah Jazz

Phoenix will more than meet their match against Detroit in the opener, as the Pistons are coming off of a 60-win season - with one of their losses coming to the Suns in late January. The uncertain status of free agent center Jalen Duren is currently holding Detroit back from being a surefire great team yet again, but the physical identity and grittiness of J.B. Bickerstaff's team will not wane regardless.

The Bulls will present a unique challenge for the Suns, as Chicago is being led by a new coach in Tiago Splitter and is also amongst the most athletic rosters across the league. The addition of Bridges will be tested right off the bat here, as the incoming forward was added largely due to being a premier athlete. 

The extent of how much the Suns will see Spurs megastar Victor Wembanyama is unclear, however any time Wembanyama does see the court will be a prime opportunity to test second-year standout Khaman Maluach and see just how much the former lottery pick has improved over the last 12 months.

The Jazz are another high-flying offense that will test the integrity of a Phoenix defense that might experience regression due to the change in personnel, with guards Darryn Peterson and Keyonte George presenting an immense challenge to the Suns' backcourt that lacks a defensive difference maker in the starting lineup.

While only so much can be discovered during preseason play, the Suns will surely learn a fair amount about what to expect everywhere from rotations to the development that the under-25 players have experienced over the last several months.