The Phoenix Suns will open their 2026-27 pre-season schedule with a road clash against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, Oct. 5, marking their first competitive action since a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026. The Suns enter the new season looking to rebound after a disappointing end to the previous campaign, dropping four of their last five games (1W-0D-4L).
What happened last season?
The Suns and Pistons split their two regular-season meetings in January 2026, with each team securing a home victory. Detroit won the first matchup 108-105 on Jan. 15, led by Jalen Duren’s dominant 14-point, 18-rebound performance. However, Phoenix responded two weeks later with a convincing 18-point win, fueled by Dillon Brooks’ 40-point explosion. The teams also faced off in the Summer League, where the Suns prevailed 100-88, with Isaac Jones contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit.
Why it matters for the Phoenix Suns
This pre-season opener provides a key opportunity for the Suns to test their offseason adjustments and build chemistry ahead of the regular season. With training camp set to begin in late September, Phoenix will look to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed in their late-season slump, particularly after conceding 131 points in their final game against Oklahoma City. The matchup against Detroit, a young but improving squad, will offer a gauge of their progress.
What comes next?
Following the Oct. 5 clash, the Pistons are expected to host the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 16, potentially wrapping up their pre-season slate. The Suns, meanwhile, will fine-tune their roster ahead of the regular season, with attention on how head coach Frank Vogel integrates new additions. The Pistons’ restricted free agency negotiations with Jalen Duren remain unresolved, adding intrigue to Detroit’s pre-season preparations.
