Thu Oct 23 01:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Youthful Phoenix Suns Tip Off Season Against Kings, But Hamstring Injury Sidelines Jalen Green

Phoenix, AZ – The Phoenix Suns usher in a new era tonight, Oct. 22, as they face the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center to kick off the 2025-26 NBA season. However, the team will be without newly acquired guard Jalen Green, who is sidelined with a right hamstring injury.

Green, obtained in the Kevin Durant trade with Houston, played every game for his previous two seasons. Unfortunately, he reaggravated a previous hamstring strain during the team’s preseason trip to China. Grayson Allen is expected to start in Green’s place, joining Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, rookie Ryan Dunn, and Mark Williams in the starting lineup. Allen himself is listed as probable with left hip soreness.

First-year head coach Jordan Ott, formerly an assistant under reigning NBA Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland, is bringing a new offensive philosophy to Phoenix. Expect increased ball and player movement with an emphasis on cuts and screens. A key question is whether Ott will mirror Cleveland’s balanced minutes distribution, potentially reducing Devin Booker’s hefty workload.

Ott is aiming for an aggressive, high-pressure defense and a fast-paced offense. This strategic change could necessitate a deeper bench rotation to keep players fresh and manage potential foul trouble.

Beyond the strategy, all eyes will be on the rotation, particularly among the big men. Rookie Khaman Maluach impressed in the preseason, but fellow rookie Rasheer Fleming may be first to see the court.

Lastly, expect sparks from Dillon Brooks, who has a penchant for technical fouls. Will he earn his first technical as a Sun in the season opener? Only time will tell.

Summary:

The Phoenix Suns are beginning their 2025-26 season against the Sacramento Kings with a new coach and a focus on youth, but newly acquired Jalen Green is out with a hamstring injury. Coach Jordan Ott is implementing a new offensive and defensive system with an emphasis on increased player movement and aggressive play, which will likely require a deeper bench rotation. Questions remain about how the rotation will shake out, especially with the big men, and whether Dillon Brooks will quickly rack up technical fouls.

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