Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT)
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
TV: KUNP / BlazerVision (Portland), AZFamily / Suns+ (Phoenix); streaming options via Fubo and regional apps
The 2026-27 season opens with a Northwest matchup featuring Damian Lillard’s long-awaited return to Portland and a guard-heavy Blazers lineup that includes newly acquired Ja Morant. Phoenix counters with Devin Booker and a retooled supporting cast under head coach Jordan Ott.
Current Player Rosters / Key Contributors
Suns: Core revolves around Devin Booker and Jalen Green in the backcourt, with Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges providing wing scoring and defense. Frontcourt options center on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach (with Mark Williams sidelined). Depth includes Collin Gillespie, Ryan Dunn, and Luke Kennard (if available).
Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard (returning from Achilles injury) and Ja Morant form a high-powered starting backcourt. Deni Avdija is a primary forward option, supported by Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan up front. Bench features Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and additional depth. New coach Micah Nori is expected to emphasize pace and guard play.
Injury Report
Suns:
Mark Williams (C) – Out (left shoulder surgery; longer-term timeline into early 2027).
Luke Kennard (G) – Questionable (left knee tendinopathy).
Trail Blazers:
Shaedon Sharpe (G) – Out (right meniscus surgery; longer-term).
Branden Carlson (C) – Out (concussion protocol).
Chris Youngblood (G) – Out (left ankle soreness).
Deni Avdija (F) – Questionable (right ankle soreness).
Micah Potter (C/F) – Questionable/Probable (illness).
Both teams have notable absences, particularly in the frontcourt for Phoenix and depth/wing options for Portland. Avdija’s status is a key swing factor.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Devin Booker / Jalen Green vs. Damian Lillard / Ja Morant: Elite scoring and creation on both sides. Expect isolation scoring, pick-and-roll volume, and transition opportunities in a high-pace guard battle.
Dillon Brooks / Miles Bridges vs. Deni Avdija / Toumani Camara: Physical wing defense and scoring versatility. Brooks’ intensity against Avdija’s two-way production (if available).
Oso Ighodaro / Khaman Maluach vs. Donovan Clingan: Interior rebounding, rim protection, and vertical spacing. Phoenix’s younger bigs face Clingan’s size and mobility.
Overall style: Portland’s guard-driven attack and home energy versus Phoenix’s balanced scoring and size advantages on the wings.
Recent Team Forms
Both enter at 0-0.
Preseason: Suns struggled overall (multiple losses including to Utah and San Antonio). Blazers posted mixed results with wins over Golden State and Sacramento but a loss in a second meeting with the Warriors.
2025-26 regular season: Suns finished 45-37; Blazers 42-40 (first-round playoff exit).
Series History
Phoenix won the 2025-26 regular-season series 2-1, taking both games in Portland. Portland responded by winning a Play-In game in Phoenix. The rivalry has been competitive in recent years with strong road performances by the Suns at Moda Center.
Betting Trends
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns 231.5
Portland Trail Blazers – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, October 20, 2026
