Most Anticipated Western Conference Matchups for Phoenix Suns Next Season

The 2026-27 regular season is right around the corner for the Phoenix Suns, with the organization slated to turn the corner from a first-round exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in April.

The Suns will be (mostly) returning the same team, with a couple of major tweaks that will surely continue to drive a divided conversation amongst the fanbase in the months ahead.

Regardless, there is still palpable anticipation for the season to come - below are the three opponents that will likely drive the most intriguing matchups, while also serving as games that will likely drive Suns fans to discover what this iterationb of the franchise is truly about.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves are going to be a different challenge for Phoenix compared to previous seasons. 

Minnesota's offensive style will be transformed in 2026-27, as LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edward are two of the most proficient high-volume three-point shooters in the league. The Suns will be tested strategically when defending the high-flying perimeter attack, while also being tested offensively by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.

Expect the 2024 playoff opponents to put together more intense meetings over the course of the three/four matchups.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Suns and Lakers will always be tied together as Pacific Division rivals despite division  assortments meaning less over the years.

Lakers' superstar Luka Doncic adds gravitas to the matchup that was previously held by LeBron James, and it seems as if Dillon Brooks continues to have issues with the Slovenian superstar. 

Beyond this, speculation has risen that Phoenix could be building the blocks up that are necessary to make a run at Doncic in the near future, so this season is all the more crucial for both the Lakers and the Suns - especially considering both are expected to be fighting for a top-six seed in the conference.

Houston Rockets

The Suns and Rockets are potentially set to be on a similar level heading into the regular season, with the future of each franchise being tied together in many ways following the Kevin Durant trade to Houston. 

The Rockets had the Suns' number in the matchups during the 2025-26 campaign, although the trajectory of the Rockets is seen as heading downward. Brooks and Jalen Green will be tied to the Rockets as well, which adds an emotional beat to the matchup that will always raise the stakes - with the expected pining for positioning in the standings putting the cherry on top here.