After Three Straight Losses, Suns Reveal Starting Lineup for Blazers Rematch

A difficult homestand opener

The Suns begin a seven-game stretch at home against the Trail Blazers, looking to recover from a 1-4 start. Phoenix has dropped three consecutive games and is seeking to show it can compete in the West.

Portland arrives with a 5-1 record. It also handed Phoenix a 124-83 defeat in the teams’ season opener, when the Suns fell behind by as many as 52 points.

Same starters, early concerns

Phoenix will use the starting group it has fielded through its first five games. The article does not list the players in that lineup, but reports that the five have a minus-29.9 net rating across 60 minutes together.

Jalen Green is averaging 11 points and shooting 22.2% from three-point range. The article also identifies Maluach’s readiness as a concern, while saying the Suns need to make their pieces work around Devin Booker.

Ott stresses execution

Coach Jordan Ott said the focus is on improvement rather than dwelling on the opener. He pointed to defense and the need to play a complete 48 minutes.

Ott described Portland’s drop defense as unusual, citing its pressure on the ball and the ability of its big man to retreat. He said Phoenix must set solid screens, find chances in transition and get repeated touches in the paint.

Ott also said the Suns would try pull-up threes and use Maluach on wide rolls to create options. Phoenix, he added, needs to stay composed when Portland’s defensive approach makes it difficult to find open shots.