Five Days Stand Between Tonight's Finale and the Real Opener

Jazz close the exhibition slate. Utah visits Mortgage Matchup Center at 7 p.m. on Arizona's Family, its only game since last Wednesday. The Jazz went 22-60 last season and bring Lauri Markkanen, who averaged 26.7 points, and Keyonte George, who averaged 23.6, for one more preseason look.

Portland is the real target. Tonight closes the preseason, but the clock that matters starts October 21 at Portland, the regular-season opener. Phoenix gets five days off before tipoff, the longest break on this stretch for either side.

Most walking wounded return. Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Oso Ighodaro, Collin Gillespie and Miles Bridges are each pegged to be back tonight after sitting with various rest or minor issues. Bridges' right ankle is the one to watch as he steps back in.

Kennard waits for the opener. Luke Kennard will sit out tonight's Jazz game. His left knee issue first appeared on the injury list Wednesday, and instead of the preseason finale, he is aiming to be ready for the October 21 regular-season opener at Portland.

Williams' long wait continues. Mark Williams has no timetable beyond an estimated return of February 3, more than three months off, due to a shoulder issue on his left side. Phoenix has played every preseason game without him at center.

Brooks' minutes keep rising. With Phoenix shorthanded, Dillon Brooks has logged 39 minutes a game and 28.7 points over his last three outings, well above his usual load, and the Suns are paying him $20.0 million this season for exactly that kind of lift.

Utah's own shorthanded list. Jusuf Nurkic is out with a foot and leg issue, while Kyle Filipowski (back) and Blake Hinson (hip) are questionable for Utah, which arrives on extra rest after playing only once in the last week.