Pa Rory Maher | on November 5, 2026 at 8:49 p.m
Fighting The sun made changes to the starting line-up, with Very Igadara replacing Haman Maluach as the first-line center before Thursday’s game against Orlando (Link to Twitter). Phoenix fell to 1-5 on Wednesday after losing to Portland for the second time this season.
Suns reporter/analyst Gerald Burge performed several times for Igadaro to replace Maluah in the starting five, noting that Igadara is a better player and less error-prone than Maluah.
Both big men are technically injury replacements, as Phoenix starters usually are. Mark Williamsexpected to be released around next February offseason shoulder surgery to treat a torn left lip.
Here’s more on the Suns:
- Rookie forward Koa Pea He’s played just 13 minutes of garbage time in his first three NBA appearances, but he’s “on the verge” of breaking into the rotation, head coach Jordan Ott said before Thursday’s game (Link to video on Twitter via Dwayne Rankin of the Arizona Republic ). “You know, we understand that he’s young and he hasn’t had a lot of NBA experience, but again, the way the game goes, the ability to manage and handle and defend the drive, he seems to have“- said Ott.And he is right there. He continues to work, he will get his opportunity and we fully believe that is what will happen.“
- Guard Jordan Goodwin (right calf soreness) and forward Rusher Fleming (sprained left ankle) will both miss a second straight game on Thursday, tweets reporter Amanda Pflugrad. Ott said neither injury is a long-term concern as both players are considered day-to-day, according to Rankin (Link to Twitter). Ott also suggested that Fleming could have gotten rotation minutes Wednesday had he not been hurt the day before.
- In a a subscriber-only story for Suns After DarkBurge lists five point guards who could make sense for Phoenix on the trade market if the team — and especially Jalen Green – continues to fight. Burge clarifies that he would like Ott to explore his own options, such as starting Colin Gillespie in place of Green before potentially turning to the trade market. De’Aaron Fox, Darius Garland and Jrue’s holiday are among the veteran guards on Burge’s roster.
