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Three key Suns storylines ahead of Jazz matchup

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 7:23 PM ET

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns (1-2) are looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses as they close their three-game road trip against the Utah Jazz.

Phoenix’s season thus far has been defined by what it is currently missing and how it has managed with it, see Jalen Green and Mark Williams for one game.

Green will miss his fourth game of the season with a right hamstring strain and Williams missed Saturday’s 133-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets due to right knee injury management, but is off the injury report against Utah.

The Suns’ season-opening win against the Sacrament Kings gave fans a bright look into what type of team they are — gritty, defensive and relentless — but the last two games have left much to be desired in those areas.

As Phoenix preps to close out the road trip against the 1-1 Jazz, let’s dive into three key storylines to keep track of.

Dillon Brooks’ Status

Dillon Brooks is listed as questionable with right groin soreness. The gritty two-way wing is averaging 19.3 points per game this season in Green’s absence.

Coming into Monday as a game time decision, it’ll be interesting to see what the Suns look like without their leading defender and second-leading scorer.

What Brooks’ Absence Would Mean for Suns

Brooks has been a staple of Phoenix’s early season. His chaotic defensive identity gives the Suns a boost every night, as fans saw during his altercation with DeMar DeRozan in their win against Sacramento on opening night.

On offense, Brooks has been Phoenix’s second-leading scorer simply because he’s been taking the most shots. He’s averaging 19.7 FGA per game and is making 37.7% of them.

This is a microcosm of Green’s absence. Without a dynamic secondary scorer, opposing defenses are keying in on Devin Booker and, as a result, Brooks is having to create offense late in the shot clock.

At times, it may be overbearing, like Brooks’ 11 shot attempts in the first quarter against the Kings, but it’s almost necessary until Green returns to the lineup.

Containing Markkanen-Kessler Frontcourt

Phoenix’s center rotation is going to be tested yet again. Despite Utah’s lowly trajectory this season, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler are among the most talented young frontcourt duos in the league.

Markkanen is leading the Jazz with 26.5 points per game and Kessler is a force in the paint, averaging 12.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.

One of the few advantages the Suns have over Utah’s forwards and centers is athleticism. If Williams, Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards can channel their strengths, the matchup won’t be so lopsided.

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This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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