The Phoenix Suns host the Utah Jazz on Friday, October 16, 2026, in the NBA Preseason at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (19:00 local venue time), and the game will be broadcast live in the United States on AZFamily (Arizona’s Family 3TV), NBA League Pass, Suns+, and Fubo.
This matchup marks the final 2026-27 preseason appearance for the home side before the start of the regular season. The Phoenix Suns enter the court with a 1-3 preseason record after four games played, coming off a 123-103 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday (14). The Utah Jazz hold a 2-1 preseason record after three games, having defeated the San Antonio Spurs 119-109 in their previous outing on Monday (12). In the last official game between the two franchises, played on March 28, 2026, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Utah Jazz 134-109.
Where to watch Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz live
Fans in the United States have four confirmed broadcast and streaming options to follow the preseason game live:
- AZFamily (Arizona’s Family 3TV): over-the-air TV
- NBA League Pass: streaming
- Suns+: streaming
- Fubo: streaming
Start time and venue for Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
- Start time: 10 p.m. (22:00 America/New_York) / 19:00 local time at the venue (America/Phoenix)
- Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center, in Phoenix (formerly known as PHX Arena and Footprint Center)
- Competition and stage: NBA (North American basketball league) — Preseason
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How the Phoenix Suns arrive
Coached by Jordan Ott, the Phoenix Suns rested their main players — Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Miles Bridges, Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, and Oso Ighodaro — during the loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday (14). In the opening preseason games when playing at full strength, the team fielded a starting lineup consisting of guard Devin Booker, shooting guard Jalen Green, forwards Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges, and center Oso Ighodaro. Because this is the final preseason contest, the coaching staff has not yet officially announced whether the regular starters will play or face minute restrictions. Off the bench, guard Jamaree Bouyea secured the 14th roster spot for the regular season after recording 15 points and 8 assists against the San Antonio Spurs.
Statistically, forward Dillon Brooks leads the Phoenix Suns in preseason scoring with an average of 16.7 points per game, followed by Jalen Green at 13.7 points per game. Center Khaman Maluach leads the team in rebounding, averaging 7.0 boards per contest.
On the injury list, the Phoenix Suns have two confirmed absences. Center Mark Williams remains out after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in September 2026. Shooting guard Luke Kennard is also sidelined with left knee soreness after leaving the game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday (14) and awaits the results of an MRI exam. Regarding Kennard’s physical condition, head coach Jordan Ott said: “I don’t know exactly what it is. Just talked to him briefly. He seemed like he was in good spirits. We’ll see more tomorrow.”
How the Utah Jazz arrive
Led by head coach Will Hardy, who is in his fifth season in charge of the franchise, the Utah Jazz have utilized point guard Keyonte George and rookie shooting guard Darryn Peterson as their starting perimeter duo during the preseason. The active rotation also features power forward Lauri Markkanen, big man Jaren Jackson Jr., Mo Bamba, Jaxson Hayes, Isaiah Collier, Ace Bailey, and Brice Sensabaugh. As with their opponents, Will Hardy has not officially confirmed if the regular starters will have restricted minutes in this final tune-up. Evaluating the squad’s preparation, Hardy stated: “They’re really competitive. We’ve had some of the most spirited practices since I’ve been here in terms of competitiveness and willingness to go against each other.”
Lauri Markkanen is the leading scorer for the Utah Jazz in the preseason with an average of 14.0 points per game. Rookie Darryn Peterson averages 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while Keyonte George contributes 11.3 points per outing.
Regarding injuries, center Jusuf Nurkic is a confirmed absence for the Utah Jazz due to a partial plantar plate tear in the second toe of his right foot, an injury announced on October 7, 2026, with an estimated recovery timeline of at least four weeks. Additionally, center Kyle Filipowski (recovering from offseason back surgery) and forward Blake Hinson (hip/groin) are listed as questionable on the injury report. Because this is an NBA preseason game, rules regarding players at risk of suspension for accumulated cards do not apply.
Read also: New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards: where to watch live and start time (NBA, Oct 16)
Officiating for Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz
The officiating crew for the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz had not yet been announced at the time of reporting, as the NBA publishes referee assignments on game day.
Head-to-head history and next games for Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz
In the most recent head-to-head meeting between the franchises, held in Phoenix on March 28, 2026, during the 2025-26 regular season, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Utah Jazz 134-109. In that game, Jalen Green scored 31 points and Devin Booker added 26 points for the home team, while Brice Sensabaugh recorded 26 points for the visitors. Across the entire 2025-26 regular season, the Phoenix Suns finished with a record of 45 wins and 37 losses before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, whereas the Utah Jazz ended the campaign with 22 wins and 60 losses, missing the postseason.
Following the conclusion of the preseason, both teams will make their debuts in the 2026-27 NBA regular season on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The Phoenix Suns will face the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Utah Jazz will play against the Memphis Grizzlies.
