The Republic discusses the Suns’ upcoming homestand, matchup with Spurs
The Phoenix Suns begin a 3-game homestand on Oct. 29, in which they host the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.
Republic staff
The Phoenix Suns conclude a three-game homestand Sunday, Nov. 2, against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The game tips off at 6 p.m. and will be televised by Arizona’s Family Sports (3TV).
The Suns (2-4) snapped a four-game losing streak with an 118-96 victory Oct. 31 over the Utah Jazz in their NBA Cup West Group A play opener.
The Spurs are coming off a 107-101 home win Oct. 30 over the Miami Heat to mark their first 5-0 start in franchise history. Victor Wembanyama is averaging a career-high 30.4 points and leading the NBA in rebounds per game at 14.6 and blocks per game at 4.8.
“We haven’t seen it before,” Suns star guard Devin Booker said about the listed 7-foot-4 Wembanyama.
“Yeah. We need to build on it.”
Devin Booker when asked if 23-2 run to end 1st was one of the best stretches for the Suns this season.
On facing Victor Wembanyama in Sunday’s matchup against the unbeaten San Antonio Spurs: “It’s something we’ve never seen before. We’ll deal… pic.twitter.com/bRDRYISN8q
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 1, 2025
Booker posted his fourth straight 30-point game with a season-high 36 points in the Halloween win. The franchise’s all-time leading scorer became the first Suns player to have five 30-point games in the first six games of the regular season.
“It’s really impressive because I feel like looking at the makeup of our team and how people are guarding us, he’s getting blitzed most possessions,” Suns guard Grayson Allen said about Booker.
Booker also set a defensive tone in the rematch win over the Jazz, who beat the Suns in overtime, 138-134, Oct. 27 in Salt Lake City.
“You saw Book’s energy to start the game, that is tone-setting start and when you get a guy like that who has done so much in his NBA career to get out there and pick up full court, that shows,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “You don’t have to talk anything. That’s leadership.”
Booker did his share of talking, too, during the game.
“He’s a competitor,” Suns guard Jordan Goodwin said. “He wants to win. He feels those lapses, too, and he’s not the one to go in there and sugarcoat anything, too. He’s definitely been on us. I think it was in that third quarter (Friday vs. Utah), he came bench and was like, ‘What are we doing?’ Making sure we wake up right now. We’re in a key part of the game. We’re trying to win this game. He’s definitely been a leader for us.”
The Suns are still without Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Dillon Brooks (core muscle strain). Green has yet to play this season after playing every game in each of his last two seasons with the Houston Rockets, while Brooks will miss a fourth straight game.
Two-way player Isaiah Livers (right hip contusion) is listed as doubtful. He suffered his injury in the first half against Oct. 31 against the Jazz and didn’t return to the game in the second half.
Check back at azcentral.com for updates on the Nov. 2 game.
Suns injury update:
Jordan Ott said Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) had “back-to-back really good days” as he played 5-on-5 Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s feel, how is he feeling. Him at 60, 70, 80% speed is still pretty fast. It’s just going to take time. Knowing that it may… pic.twitter.com/RIyftdbAl7
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 3, 2025
The Suns are once again starting Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Ryan Dunn, Royce O’Neale and Mark Williams.
Phoenix is 1-1 with this starting lineup. This is the third different starting lineup for the Suns.
The Spurs are starting Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes and Victor Wembanyama.
Suns coach Jordan Ott opened his pregame media availability providing update on Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Isaiah Livers.
A two-way player, Livers has been downgraded to out as he was previously listed as doubtful with a right hip contusion. Ott said it’s “nothing serious.”
Brooks (muscle core strain) has been able to work out, Ott said. Brooks will miss his fourth straight game.
As for Green, Ott said the Suns guard had “back-to-back really good days” as he played 5-on-5 on Saturday and Sunday. This again is a major step toward him making his Suns debut.
Green has yet to play a game, preseason or regular season with his new team. He suffered a right hamstring strain in training camp leading up to the Oct. 3 preseason opener.
“It’s feel, how is he feeling,” Ott said. “Him at 60, 70, 80% speed is still pretty fast. It’s just going to take time. Knowing that it may not be full speed right from the jump. That’s just something he’s going to have to get acquainted to and accustomed to as he progresses when he comes back.”
The “60, 70 80%” can be interpreted as the Suns aren’t expecting Green to be 100% when he returns and will be asked to work his way back into it. The next two days will be huge. Ott is also factoring in the Suns playing every other day.
“Tonight is a big assessment to see how he comes out of this morning,” Ott said. “… We got to look at him tonight and tomorrow and see what’s next. It’s a tough week ahead playing every other day, but he’s getting there and that’s a good sign.”
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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