From clashes with LeBron’s 76ers to a physical gauntlet against Giannis and the Heat, discover which elite Eastern powerhouses will push Phoenix’s reconfigured roster to its absolute limit.
Less than three months remain until the Phoenix Suns open up the 2026-27 regular season following a five-game preseason slate that starts in early October.
Jordan Ott's second season leading the locker room will be marked by managing the integration of Miles Bridges into the lineup, continuing to develop the young core on the roster, and finding ways to make-up for the lost three-point production over the offseason.
These three Eastern Conference opponents will test the Suns the most in working towards accomplishing these feats - read why below.
Philadelphia 76ers
Who else would be here other than Philadelphia?
While the Charlotte Hornets are an honorable mention due to Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen having expected homecomings in Phoenix this season, Philadelphia will likely serve as one of the Suns' most severe challenges during the 82-game slate.
Philly's starting five will extend the Phoenix defense to their limits on paper - Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid are elite offensive talents that are now being held together by NBA great LeBron James.
Miami Heat
The Heat and Suns frequently square off in competitive, physical battles in a season-by-season basis, with the 2026-27 campaign possibly magnifying this in the two meetings.
Miami has frequently been noted for being one of the most physical teams in the league in recent years under Erik Spoelstra, with the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as a doubling down on the steadfast identity that Pat Riley has built.
Devin Booker and Antetokounmpo will reignite the rivalry that the two have had since the 2021 NBA Finals as well - tying together the importance of this matchup.
New York Knicks
The Suns will meet another major match against the defending NBA champions, which will serve as an incredible litmus test for the semi new-look Phoenix roster.
The Knicks are a well-oiled machine that were built in an unconventional manner in the new NBA era, which is something the Suns are aspiring to become. Khaman Maluach could be tested by Karl-Anthony Towns, while Mikal Bridges and O.G. Anunoby will extend Phoenix's wing assortment to their limits.
Phoenix did defeat the Knicks last season as well, which opens the door for teams that are heavily anchored by continuity to have more tight battles moving forward.
Expect to learn many things about Phoenix against some of the very best in the east over the course of the upcoming season.
