The Phoenix Suns’ 2025-26 schedule officially dropped. 82 games, as expected.
We were hoping for fewer back-to-backs, but oh well. They’ve got young legs now, at least!
Here are some key notes:
16 back-to-backs (in seven of those, they’re hopping time zones in between)
9 Nationally televised games (ESPN, ABC, Peacock), which is ten fewer than the 19 they had a season ago.
They do not appear to be in any of the Friday Amazon Prime games.
Also, check out this sweet graphic from our John Voita.
Read his full piece here for more on the schedule release: The Suns’ full 2025–26 schedule is finally here
Five games to watch
I will remove Opening Night from this list, as that goes without saying. Here are the five games I’m looking forward to the most this season. This list is ordered by date, not by anticipation.
1) November 6th — Clippers at Suns (Beal’s return)
This should come as no surprise, but Beal’s return to the Valley will be an interesting early-season game.
Not only will the fans likely give him a warm (sarcasm font) welcome, but these two teams aren’t fond of each other as is. Oh, and Chris Paul’s return to Arizona again, this time with the third team since getting traded. After rumors of his return, you know he’ll have a little extra motivation to leave Phoenix with a win.
The Clippers have what looks to be a strong and deep team, filled with veteran additions like Brook Lopez, Chris Paul, and Bradley Beal. Outside of the storylines, this will be a good basketball test for this young team.
2) November 24th – Rockets at Suns (Durant’s return)
This one is also quite obvious. Not only will Kevin Durant return to Phoenix, but Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks will face off against their old squad for the first time. This game will be absolute cinema.
I would not encourage booing, but you can expect it to be present in the intros. I’m sure the Suns will put together a nice tribute video, but there will be plenty of mixed emotions heading into this one. Durant won’t be the only one with a chip on his shoulder in this contest.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns works against Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on February 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns works against Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on February 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Getty Images
3) November 28th — Suns at Thunder (true test)
This game will be a great measuring stick for this young Suns squad. OKC is back and better than ever as they look to defend their 2025 Championship. They were nearly impossible to beat at home last season, compiling a 35-6 record on their home floor.
They may get their teeth kicked in. Or maybe they can take advantage of the Thunder overlooking them and make it into a classic underdog upset on the road. Only time will tell.
4) December 23rd — Lakers at Suns (Ayton return)
Luka and LeBron coming to the Valley to take on the Suns is enough of a storyline to get you to circle this one on the calendar. Then, when you factor in it’s Deandre Ayton’s return to Arizona (this time with another team) and it makes for must-see TV.
Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach vs. Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes down low. Advantage Suns. Let’s just hope Williams is healthy by then. It’s no Christmas Day game, but it’s close enough, being the day before Christmas Eve.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball defended by Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball defended by Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Getty Images
5) February 10th — Mavs at Suns (Flagg in Phoenix)
The Suns and Mavs only play each other three times next season. Number one pick Cooper Flagg will make his debut in Phoenix on February 10th, facing his Duke teammate Khaman Maluach.
The Suns and Mavs have had beef in the past, but with Luka gone, the “rivalry” feels a bit flat. I’ll be interested to see how each team looks by this time of year, given all the massive changes they have each been through the past six months.
Dallas has a massive frontcourt, so that will be a good test for the Suns’ new big man rotation.
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts with center Khaman Maluach (9) during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts with center Khaman Maluach (9) during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Let us know which games you are looking forward to the most this season in the comments below!
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