Oso Ighodaro was cleared on October 21, ending a hip and torso issue that had lingered since October 17. Phoenix opens 2026-27 tonight at Portland, and Luke Kennard's left knee is still unresolved.
Ighodaro back in play. Ighodaro's status flipped to cleared on October 21. The same day, he told Arizona Sports what his hometown team's belief means to him. A Hoops Rumors report put his extension at three years and $29MM. Last season he played all 82 games at 22.1 minutes with 5.1 rebounds, and that durability is what Phoenix paid for.
Kennard knee watch. Kennard has carried a left knee issue since October 15, and his projected return date is opening night itself. Arizona Sports listed him as questionable for Portland. He scored 20 in the October 10 preseason win over the Spurs, and that is the kind of shooting this bench needs from him.
Center race still open. Mark Williams' left shoulder keeps him sidelined until an estimated February 3, 2027. Valley of the Suns reported that Jordan Ott is taking the starting center race down to the wire. Bright Side of the Sun reported that his 10-man rotation is set. Khaman Maluach, Duop Reath, Drew Timme and Ighodaro are the bigs available.
Portland's thinned wings. The Blazers went 42-40 last season under Micah Nori. A right knee problem has ruled out Shaedon Sharpe, who scored 20.8 points a night last season. Deni Avdija, who averaged 24.2, is uncertain because of his right ankle. Branden Carlson and Chris Youngblood are also out, but Ja Morant handed out 8.1 assists in his 20 games last season.
The number: pace. Portland played at a 101.6 pace last season, and Phoenix played at 98.1. The Suns finished with a 1.4 net rating to Portland's -0.4. Donovan Clingan pulled down 11.6 rebounds a night last season, so the glass is where a faster opponent could take extra trips from a Suns frontcourt that is missing Williams.
Star power, star price. Devin Booker averaged 26.1 points last season and earns $57.1M. Jalen Green, at $36.3M, played only 32 games. Payroll sits at $213.8M, over the first apron, with the tax threshold at $200.4M, and the 2027 first-rounder belongs to Houston. The open question is whether Green can give Phoenix a full season of production at that price.
Is Luke Kennard playing in the Suns' opener against the Trail Blazers?
Arizona Sports listed him as questionable with a left knee issue. His projected return date is October 21, the night of the opener.
When will Mark Williams return for the Suns?
His estimated return date is February 3, 2027, as he recovers from a left shoulder injury.
