Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott didn’t second the notion that the center competition has already been decided as he spoke to the media on Friday, Oct. 9.
Oso Ighodaro has started the first two preseason games. He’s battling 7-footer Khaman Maluach for the starting big position.
“We’ll take the same preseason approach,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said after Friday’s practice. “Five of these games. Two young guys. They continue to get better. Have different gifts that we’re still trying to figure out. Mix and match a little bit even in these last three games.”
The Suns will play their third preseason game Saturday, Oct. 10, against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns tries to drive around Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket past Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns tries to control the ball between Kevin Huerter #27 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns is fouled by Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns dunks ahead of Javonte Green #31 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns tries to get a first-half shot off around Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns drives around John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns tries to drive around Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns tries to drive around Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket past Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns tries to control the ball between Kevin Huerter #27 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns is fouled by Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns dunks ahead of Javonte Green #31 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns tries to get a first-half shot off around Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns’ 2026 preseason matchups
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns drives around John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 05, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ESPN2 is televising the 7:30 p.m. game.
Ott could opt to start Maluach against Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year who led San Antonio to the 2026 NBA Finals.
The Suns are 0-2 in preseason action, losing on the road to the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, while the Spurs enter their second preseason game 0-1 after falling 123-116 to the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 8.
The Spurs were without De’Aaron Fox against the Hawks as he was a late scratch due to soreness from a rigorous workout, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
The Suns may be without Miles Bridges, who suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Bulls. Ott said x-rays were negative, but they plan to “be smart” with Bridges.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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