The Phoenix Suns are basically playing a giant game of "who’s left?" right now. Honestly, if you’re looking at the starting lineup Phoenix Suns fans see on the court this week, it probably looks a lot different than the one you saw on opening night. Injuries have been hitting this roster like a ton of bricks lately.
It’s been a wild ride for Coach Jordan Ott. One day he’s got his stars, and the next, he’s trying to figure out how to piece together 48 minutes with a roster that’s missing its primary engine.
The Current Starting Five Reality
As of mid-January 2026, the starting five has been in a constant state of flux. With Devin Booker dealing with a stubborn left ankle sprain—the one he tweaked during that loss to Miami—the backcourt has a totally new look.
In the most recent matchup against the Detroit Pistons, we saw a lineup of:
- Collin Gillespie (Point Guard)
- Grayson Allen (Shooting Guard)
- Dillon Brooks (Small Forward)
- Royce O'Neale (Power Forward)
- Mark Williams (Center)
Losing Booker is a massive blow. You're talking about 25.2 points and over 6 assists just... gone. When he's off the floor, the Suns' net rating drops by nearly 7 points per 100 possessions. That’s the difference between a playoff contender and a lottery team. Collin Gillespie has been forced into a much bigger role than anyone expected, and to be fair, he’s been scrappy. He put up 18 points and 6 dimes against Detroit, which is exactly what you need from a guy who’s suddenly the primary floor general.
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Why Dillon Brooks Matters More Than You Think
A lot of people love to hate on Dillon Brooks. But look at what happened when the Suns made that massive seven-team trade over the summer to bring him and Jalen Green in (and sent Kevin Durant to Houston). Brooks has become the heartbeat of this defense.
Even when he's feeling under the weather or dealing with minor knocks, he's out there. He’s currently averaging about 21 points per game and taking on a massive offensive load while Booker is sidelined. His usage rate has spiked to nearly 38% in these short-handed games. It’s not always pretty, and he’ll definitely foul out in crunch time once in a while, but he’s the one keeping the energy high.
The Big Trade Hangover
It’s impossible to talk about the starting lineup Phoenix Suns rotations without mentioning the "KD Trade." Sending Kevin Durant to the Rockets was a "burn it down" move that signaled a new era.
The Suns received:
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- Jalen Green
- Dillon Brooks
- Khaman Maluach (via the 2025 draft)
- A bunch of picks
Jalen Green was supposed to be the explosive secondary scorer next to Booker, but he’s currently out with a hamstring injury. This has created a massive void in the starting unit. Without Green’s speed and verticality, the offense feels a bit stagnant. It’s basically "The Grayson Allen Show" from the perimeter, which can be great when he’s hitting 7-of-20 from deep like he did recently, but it’s a lot of pressure on a specialist.
The Frontcourt Anchor: Mark Williams
Mark Williams has been a quiet bright spot. Since coming over from Charlotte in exchange for the 29th pick and Vasilije Micić, he’s given the Suns the rim protection they’ve lacked for years. He’s averaging 11.1 points and over 7 rebounds lately. Having a 7-foot-1 presence at the rim makes the perimeter defenders like O'Neale and Brooks much more aggressive because they know they have a safety net behind them.
Surprising Depth and Rookies
Don't sleep on the bench guys who keep sliding into the starting five. Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro have been getting legitimate minutes. Ighodaro even had a career-high six steals in a single game recently. That’s absurd for a big man.
Then you have Khaman Maluach, the 19-year-old rookie from Duke. He’s raw—like, really raw—but at 7-foot-1, his potential is through the roof. He isn't starting yet, but with the way injuries are going, don't be shocked if you see him in the opening five by March.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about the current Suns is that they’re a "Devin Booker or bust" team. While the stats show they struggle without him, the emergence of the "Houston Duo" (Green and Brooks) has changed the DNA of the team. They’re much more physical and defensive-minded than the KD-era Suns.
Also, people assume this team is old. It’s actually the opposite. Aside from O’Neale (32) and Nigel Hayes-Davis (31), the core is surprisingly young. Green is 23, Williams is 24, and Booker is still in his prime at 29. This isn't a one-year window; they are building something for the next half-decade.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Suns or playing fantasy ball, here’s how to navigate this chaotic lineup:
- Monitor the Saturday Status: Devin Booker is currently "Questionable" for the New York Knicks game on January 17th. If he plays, Collin Gillespie goes back to the bench.
- Grayson Allen’s Volume: With Jalen Green out until at least January 19th with that hamstring, Allen is going to keep chucking. He had 20 three-point attempts in one game. That's a green light you rarely see in the NBA.
- The Backup PG Battle: Watch Jamaree Bouyea. He’s in concussion protocol right now, but once he’s back, he and Jordan Goodwin will be fighting for those backup minutes behind Gillespie and Booker.
- Look at the Schedule: The Suns are in the middle of a six-game road trip. Fatigue is going to play a factor, so expect more "Questionable" tags for veterans like Royce O'Neale, who is already playing through a biceps injury.
The Suns are currently 24-17. They’re firmly in the playoff hunt in the West, but they need to get healthy. If they can get Booker and Green back on the court at the same time, this starting lineup becomes one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league. For now, it's all about survival and seeing which young guys can step up when the spotlight is way brighter than they expected.