Suns Name Preseason Starters Against Spurs in Phoenix

The Phoenix Suns unveiled their preseason home opener starters against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday in Phoenix, with Jalen Green, Luke Kennard and Khaman Maluach entering the starting group as Devin Booker and Miles Bridges were ruled out.

According to the Suns, the starting lineup against San Antonio featured Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach, Luke Kennard and Jalen Green. The changes marked the first major preseason lineup adjustment during training camp.

Suns head coach Jordan Ott said before preseason play that he planned to interchange lineups. The move gave Kennard, Maluach and Dunn their first opportunities to start during the exhibition schedule.

Maluach is entering his second year with Phoenix and could compete for starting center duties while Mark Williams remains out because of injury. After Oso Ighodaro started the first two preseason games, Maluach received the starting assignment against San Antonio.

"I'd say he's taken the biggest leap out of anybody that I've seen this summer," Devin Booker said, Phoenix Suns guard.

Booker added context at Suns Media Day about Maluach's increased role after Williams' injury situation. The Suns are expected to give the young center more opportunities to develop through game experience.

"And with the unfortunate injury to Mark, I think he's gonna be thrown into the fire a lot more, and we'll get to learn through experience. So, all of these moments matter." Devin Booker said, Phoenix Suns guard.

Dunn and Rasheer Fleming are competing for wing minutes behind Dillon Brooks and Bridges, according to the Suns' preseason roster situation. Kennard is not expected to remain a starter despite joining Phoenix as a high-level shooter.

The Suns are looking for more three-point production after Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale departed, while the preseason game against the Spurs was scheduled to begin just after 7:30 PM at Mortgage Matchup Center.