The Phoenix Suns will appear on national television this October, hosting Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in a preseason matchup on ESPN2. The league announced the schedule on September 9, featuring the Suns in one of five NBA preseason games to be broadcast nationally. Phoenix will welcome the Spurs to the Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10 at 7:30 p.m. MST. This game offers an early look at a Western Conference rivalry as the Suns aim to build momentum after finishing the 2025-26 season with five consecutive losses, including a 122-131 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28.
What is the schedule for the Suns' preseason game?
The Suns' preseason contest against the San Antonio Spurs is set for Tuesday, October 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. ESPN2 will carry the national broadcast. This game is part of a small slate of preseason matchups selected for national coverage, giving fans an early glimpse of team adjustments and rotations before the regular season begins. You can track the full build-up to the season on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Why does this preseason matchup matter?
Facing the Spurs provides a significant early test for the Phoenix Suns. San Antonio, led by the towering talent of Victor Wembanyama, are the defending Western Conference champions. The two teams played a tight season series last year, splitting their four games with a 2-2 record. For a Suns squad that ended last season on a five-game skid, this preseason game is a chance to establish a new tone. It's an opportunity to experiment with lineups and defensive schemes against one of the league's elite teams and most unique players in Wembanyama.
Head coach and the Suns' star players will likely use this game to work on chemistry and assess the roster. Preseason results are secondary, but performance against a championship-caliber opponent can reveal areas needing improvement. The focus will be on execution, player health, and integrating any offseason changes. How the Suns handle Wembanyama's unique combination of size and skill on the perimeter and in the paint will be a key storyline to watch.
What other NBA preseason games are on national TV?
The NBA announced four other preseason games for national broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2. The schedule begins on October 8 with the Sacramento Kings visiting the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. On October 11, ESPN will broadcast a doubleheader. The Orlando Magic face the Cleveland Cavaliers at 3:30 p.m. MST, followed by the Chicago Bulls playing the Denver Nuggets at 6 p.m. MST. The national TV slate concludes on October 16 with a rematch of the Denver Nuggets at the Los Angeles Lakers at 7:30 p.m. On ESPN.
This limited national coverage highlights intriguing storylines across the league, from the Lakers' latest roster to the reigning champion Nuggets. For Phoenix, sharing this spotlight shows the continued national interest in the team's constellation of stars. Their inclusion indicates the league views the Suns-Spurs matchup as a compelling draw for viewers, fueled by the individual brilliance of players on both sides and their competitive recent history.
What's next for the Phoenix Suns after this game?
Following the preseason finale against the Spurs, the Phoenix Suns will turn their full attention to the 2026-27 regular season. The team's immediate goal is to use the entire preseason schedule to build cohesion and address the issues that led to a difficult finish last spring. Their recent form of five straight losses to end 2025-26 is a point of motivation. The coaching staff will be evaluating rotations, defensive assignments, and offensive flow throughout the exhibition games.
Success in the preseason is measured in progress, not wins and losses. However, a strong showing against a team like San Antonio can provide a valuable confidence boost. The Suns' performance will offer clues about their readiness to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Fans can follow all the latest team news, including potential roster moves and injury updates, on our [squad](/squad) page as the new season approaches.
