Who: Phoenix Suns (0-0) vs. Sacramento Kings (0-0)
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Suns+, Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7,
KSUN
No more theories. No more speculation. No more guessing.
The 2025–26 season tips off tonight as the team hosts the Sacramento Kings to open their campaign. It’s been quite a road to get here. One hundred ninety-two days have passed since the last time the Suns played a basketball game. Fittingly, that one was also against the Kings, and it ended in a loss. The roster has changed, the front office has reshaped, and now it’s time to find out if all the offseason adjustments lead to results, whether that means winning, identity, or effort.
The Kings are dealing with injuries throughout their lineup, including All-Star center Domantas Sabonis and rising forward Keegan Murray. That creates an opening for the Suns to take advantage, something they failed to do far too often last season. A year ago, games weren’t attacked. They were endured. Tonight offers the first look at whether that mindset has shifted, whether this team plans to play with purpose instead of passivity.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Jalen Green — OUT (Hamstring)
- Grayson Allen — PROBABLE (Left Hip Soreness)
Kings
- Domantas Sabonis — OUT (Hamstring)
- Keegan Murray — OUT (Left Thumb)
- Isaac Jones — OUT (Illness)
What to Watch For
Our eyes will be locked on the team’s attitude and effort, but what I’ll really be watching is Mark Williams.
It’s his first game as a member of the Suns, and I’m curious to see how Jordan Ott brings him along, how many minutes he plays, and what kind of impact he makes. His presence should shape some of the offensive sets, and how the team uses him will say a lot about what they’re building.
The Kings are without Domantas Sabonis, which gives the edge to Phoenix, but this will be our first chance to see what Williams can do, how effective he is, and how long he can sustain it. Nick Richards had a strong preseason, and Khaman Maluach looked impressive too. So in that area, advantage Suns.
Key to a Suns Win
I’ll echo what Jordan Ott believes this team should be built on: possessions. If the Suns can generate more of them than the Kings, they’ll likely win.
It sounds simple, maybe even too simple, but that’s where these two teams are right now. Neither is projected to light up the standings, so the game will come down to who limits mistakes, who secures rebounds, and who turns extra chances into points. There will be turnovers, there will be wasted opportunities, but the team that owns the possession battle will probably walk away with the win.
Let’s keep an eye on that metric and see how it plays out for the Suns.
Prediction
With the Valley behind them and Sacramento limping into the opener, this should be a win for Phoenix. They’ll start the season on the right foot. Devin Booker will be the best player on the floor, setting the tone and leading the team to their first victory of the year.
Suns 112, Kings 104
