Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers live updates, score, analysis

The Phoenix Suns are set to begin the 2026-27 regular season on Wednesday, October 21st, when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center in Portland. ESPN and 3TV will broadcast the 7 p.m. MST game. Devin Booker, an All-Star for the Suns, emphasized the importance of starting off the season strong, acknowledging that it is Portland's home opener and that the energy at the arena will be high. The intense matchup will be a quality test for the Suns, but Booker expressed confidence in the team's readiness.

Luke Kennard, one of the Suns' guards, is questionable due to a left knee tendon issue, while Mark Williams, the 7-footer, will be out for the season after undergoing left shoulder surgery. On the Portland Trail Blazers side, Deni Avdija and Micah Potter are listed as questionable with right ankle soreness and illness, respectively. Shaedon Sharpe, who had right meniscus surgery, and Chris Youngblood, dealing with a left ankle issue, along with Branden Carlson in concussion protocol, will also be absent from the lineup.

Jalen Green, a key player for the Phoenix Suns, is fully healthy and ready for his team's opener. Last season, Green was sidelined with a right hamstring injury, missing only 32 games after playing every game with the Houston Rockets in the previous two seasons. Green expressed excitement about being healthy and ready for this season and highlighted the strong defensive lineup the Suns have assembled, including returning star Damian Lillard and the emergence of Scoot Henderson.

Both teams will face a formidable challenge in this opening matchup, featuring a strong guard position led by Portland's Ja Morant, the return of Damian Lillard, and the growing talent of Scoot Henderson. Green stressed the importance of locking in and focusing on defense, knowing that every night in the NBA will present a challenge.