PHOENIX – Still reeling from recent injuries, the Phoenix Suns will enter Thursday night’s matchup against Detroit shorthanded. It will be a tough test, as Phoenix will need to bring out all of their tricks if they want to compete with the Pistons, who are currently the best team in the Eastern Conference.
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Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix matched Detroit possession for possession in that first meeting, but the Pistons ended up coming away with a 109-106 victory as they took advantage late in the game with a slower pace, fewer mistakes, and cleaner shot selection. The Suns generated enough offense to win, though they didn’t generate enough control, and that distinction matters more than the score.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) with Jamaree Bouyea (17) and Dillon Brooks against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons don’t play like a typical road team; they play like a group comfortable being uncomfortable. Their 15–6 road record isn’t a fluke; it’s proof of discipline, defensive travel, and an ability to block out the noise. Phoenix felt that firsthand earlier this season on Jan. 16, when a three-point loss exposed how thin the margin is against elite execution.
Jan 19, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) warms up in a tee shirt honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Layer in the uncertainty around Jalen Green, and the stakes sharpen. Suns HC Jordan Ott made it clear that Green continues to progress, but nothing has changed. (Credit: Duane Rankin. | AZCentral) Questionable tonight, possibly held out again before beginning back-to-back games, Green’s status forces Phoenix into a strategic choice of short-term urgency versus long-term availability. For a team with postseason aspirations, restraint can be its own form of confidence.
From Wednesday:
Jordan Ott when asked about availability of Jalen Green (right hamstring injury management) as Suns enter back-to-back. “There’s been no setbacks. He’s still continuing to progress. We’re into a back-to-back, which we’re cognizant of. There’s a plan. We’ll see… pic.twitter.com/fTZXE2bJ7Q
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 29, 2026
For Suns fans, this is a measuring-stick game. Can Phoenix sustain defensive focus against a road-tested opponent? Can they execute late and rely on their depth pieces on offense? If head coach Jordan Ott can keep making the right adjustments, the Suns could compete with one of the best, even dealing with major injuries.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
