Suns Shake Up Lineup as They Look to Stay Perfect Against the Kings
The Phoenix Suns are back at home and looking to turn the page quickly as they host the Sacramento Kings, opening the new year with a familiar opponent and a clear goal in mind. A return to the win column is being targeted, and the spotlight has been placed firmly on the starting lineup the Suns have chosen to roll with in this matchup.
Phoenix has confirmed that Devin Booker will once again lead the group, joined by Collin Gillespie, Royce O’Neale, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams. With opening tip scheduled just after 7:00 PM MST, the Suns are hoping this combination can provide stability and energy as they chase their 20th win of the season. It’s a lineup shaped as much by necessity as strategy, with injuries continuing to influence rotations on both sides.
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Sacramento will be shorthanded in a big way, as Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine have both been ruled out. That absence has already shifted expectations, especially considering the Kings’ recent struggles. They’ve dropped nine of their last eleven games and remain near the bottom of the league in offensive production. Meanwhile, Phoenix will also be missing Grayson Allen and Jalen Green, forcing head coach Jordan Ott to lean into a next-man-up mentality.
That approach has been emphasized all season. Ott has made it clear that flexibility is being prioritized, with lineups constantly adjusted so players remain comfortable in different roles. Continuity has been maintained with the second unit, while the starting group continues to evolve depending on availability. It’s a balancing act that is expected to pay off later in the season.
On the court, Booker continues to be the engine. He’s coming off a 32-point performance in a loss to Cleveland, where support scoring was limited. More help will be needed, and Brooks has been trending in the right direction, having scored 20 or more points in three of his last five games while shooting efficiently. Williams, recently back from suspension, made his presence felt on the glass with nine rebounds despite limited scoring.
Stylistically, this matchup favors Phoenix. The Suns are among the league leaders in three-point attempts, while Sacramento ranks near the bottom in both perimeter shooting and overall scoring. Even though the Kings prefer a faster pace, Phoenix’s ability to control tempo and stretch the floor could prove decisive.
The Suns are already 2-0 against the Kings this season, and confidence will be drawn from that success. One final meeting remains later in the year, but for now, the focus is on defending home court and starting 2026 on the right note.
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