Checking the Phoenix Suns starting lineup tonight feels like a part-time job lately. If you've been following this road trip, you know the vibes have been... chaotic. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Suns are walking into the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, to face a New York Knicks team that is playing some of the best basketball in the Eastern Conference.
But for Suns fans, the big question isn't about the bright lights. It's about Devin Booker’s left ankle. He’s officially listed as questionable. Honestly, seeing "GTD" (Game Time Decision) next to Booker's name is the most stressful part of any Suns fan's afternoon.
If he’s in, everything changes. If he’s out? Well, we saw what happened against Detroit on Thursday. It wasn't pretty, despite Grayson Allen’s absolute flamethrower performance. Let’s break down exactly what this lineup is going to look like when the ball tips at 7:30 PM ET.
The Projected Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup Tonight
Look, NBA rotations in 2026 are weird. Injuries have forced coach Mike Budenholzer to get creative. Based on the latest reports and the way the rotation has shaken out over the last few games, here is the most likely five-man unit taking the floor in Manhattan:
- PG: Collin Gillespie
- SG: Devin Booker (He's questionable—if he can't go, look for Jordan Goodwin or Grayson Allen to slide into the primary guard roles)
- SF: Dillon Brooks
- PF: Royce O’Neale
- C: Mark Williams
This is a gritty group. Mark Williams has been a massive bright spot since coming over, basically anchoring a defense that currently ranks 5th in the league for points allowed. He’s averaging about 12 points and 8 rebounds, but his real value is that 7'0" frame altering shots at the rim.
📖 Related: Cleveland Guardians vs Atlanta Braves Matches: Why This Interleague Rivalry Hits Different
The Devin Booker Ankle Situation
Booker is the heart of this team. Period. He’s putting up 25.2 points per game this season. When he’s off the floor, the offense sometimes looks like it's stuck in Phoenix summer traffic.
He missed the Detroit game. Without him, the Suns lost a heartbreaker 108-105. The ankle sprain happened earlier this week, and while the team says it’s "minor," playing on the MSG floor is a high-intensity task. If he sits, Collin Gillespie has to step up big time. Gillespie had 18 points and 6 assists last time out—he’s shown he can handle the spotlight, but he’s not Book.
Why the Dillon Brooks and Royce O'Neale Pairing Matters
You might've noticed the Suns are leaning heavy into "3-and-D" wings. Dillon Brooks has been surprisingly efficient, averaging nearly 21 points over the last stretch. He's also the guy who’s going to have the unenviable task of chasing OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges around tonight.
Royce O'Neale is basically the glue. He doesn't need the ball. He just hits corner threes (averaging 2.9 per game) and plays smart team defense. In a hostile environment like the Garden, you need guys who don't rattle.
👉 See also: Cincinnati vs Oklahoma State Basketball: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big 12 Grind
The Bench Spark Plugs
Keep an eye on Oso Ighodaro. The rookie center had a career-high 6 steals against the Pistons. Six! That’s unheard of for a big man. If Mark Williams gets into foul trouble against Karl-Anthony Towns, Oso is going to be the X-factor.
Then there’s Grayson Allen. He dropped 33 points on Thursday. He might be the best "Sixth Man" in the league right now, though if Booker is out, he’ll almost certainly move into the starting five.
Matchup Nightmare: The Knicks Problem
The Knicks are 25-16 for a reason. Jalen Brunson is questionable too, which adds a whole other layer of "who knows?" to this game. But even without Brunson, the Knicks have Mikal Bridges (the former Sun!) and KAT.
The Phoenix Suns starting lineup tonight has to win the rebounding battle. The Knicks are 5th in the league in rebounding. If Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks don't box out, it’s going to be a long night of second-chance points for New York.
✨ Don't miss: Chase Center: What Most People Get Wrong About the New Arena in San Francisco
Key Stats to Know for Tonight
- Suns Defense: Allowing only 112 points per game (5th in NBA).
- The Three-Ball: Phoenix makes 14.5 threes per game, which is 7th in the league.
- Injury Void: Jalen Green (hamstring) and Jamaree Bouyea (concussion) are definitely out.
What to Watch For
If you’re betting or just watching for fun, watch the first six minutes. If the Suns can keep the Knicks off the offensive glass early, they’ve got a real shot at the upset. New York is favored by 3.5 points, but the Suns are 1-0 against them this season.
Actually, the Suns already beat the Knicks 112-107 back on January 9th. They know how to play this team. They just need their superstar healthy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Monitor the 6:30 PM ET Window: That’s when the official "active" list usually drops. Follow Duane Rankin or Shane Young on social media for the fastest Booker update.
- Watch the KAT vs. Williams Battle: This is the game. If Mark Williams can stay out of foul trouble, the Suns' defense holds. If he sits early, the paint becomes a layup line.
- Check the Broadcast: If you’re in Arizona, the game is on AZFamily or Suns+. Nationally, it’s an NBA TV special.
The Suns are sitting at 24-17. They’re in the hunt for a top-four seed in the West. Every game on this East Coast swing is a statement. Getting a win at the Garden—with or without Booker—would be the biggest statement of the month.
Stay tuned to the official injury report as we get closer to tip-off.