Phoenix opens its week at 3-0 Oklahoma City tonight, hosts Denver in an Emirates NBA Cup game Friday and visits Golden State on Monday, Nov. 2. The Suns are eighth at 1-1, one game behind sixth-place Portland.
Tonight in Oklahoma City. The Thunder have won three straight under Mark Daigneault, and they are the opponent that matters most this week. They are also on zero days' rest, the second night of a back-to-back. Phoenix has had one full day since beating Golden State. That is the Suns' best opening.
Thunder injury sheet. Jalen Williams is out with an ankle issue, which takes a starter-level scorer off the floor. Cason Wallace (shoulder) and Jaylin Williams (wrist) are also on the report. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still anchors Oklahoma City, so Phoenix has to plan around him first.
Booker sets the temperature. Devin Booker scored 43 in the 131-122 home-opening win over Golden State, after 23 in the 83-124 loss at Portland. Miles Bridges added 16 against the Warriors. The week's first test is whether anyone besides Booker can reach double figures on a good night.
Denver on Friday. The Nuggets visit Oct. 30 in an Emirates NBA Cup game, four days after the Oklahoma City trip. That is the longest rest of the week. Denver beat Phoenix in the 2023 playoffs, so this one carries history as well as Cup stakes.
Warriors rematch Monday. Phoenix goes to Golden State on Nov. 2, nine days after... no earlier than the first meeting suggests: the Warriors were 0-3 and shorthanded when the Suns won on Saturday. Expect a more complete roster this time. Trail Blazers on Nov. 4 and Magic on Nov. 5 follow at home.
Who is available. Oso Ighodaro was upgraded from out on Sunday, with an estimated return of Oct. 26. Luke Kennard was cleared Saturday after a knee issue. Mark Williams remains sidelined by his shoulder, with an estimated return of Feb. 3, 2027.
The skeptics' view. The Athletic reported that the continuity the Suns touted has yet to show in a shaky start. A 41-point loss in Portland, then a win in which the defense gave up 122, supports that. Three tougher tests this week will say more.
Who do the Suns play this week?
The Suns play at Oklahoma City on Oct. 26, host Denver in an Emirates NBA Cup game on Oct. 30 and visit Golden State on Nov. 2.
Is Jalen Williams playing for the Thunder against the Suns?
No. Jalen Williams is listed as out with an ankle issue for tonight's game. Oklahoma City is 3-0 and playing on zero days' rest.
