In 2025-26 NBA predictions before the season, many NBA writers painted a very dim picture for the Phoenix Suns and their chances this season.
Some even predicted the team to be among the worst in the league, with one site predicting that Devin Booker and company would win just 26 games this season. Yes, 26.
Advertisement
But a little over halfway through the season, the Suns have already surpassed that mark. They are 27-17 entering the Jan. 23 game at Atlanta, all alone in fifth place in the Western Conference.
Dare we say, the Suns are actually … good.
Look back at some of the preseason expectations for the Suns, which Suns owner Mat Ishbia couldn’t help but take a dig at in a recent post on social media. Can Phoenix keep proving its doubters wrong in the second half of the season?
When is 2026 NBA trade deadline? Date, time, players to watch, tracker
Always fun to see what the so-called “experts” thought about the Suns before the season. Proud of what we’re building here in Phoenix and we are just getting started! https://t.co/K5vjjuEl56
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) January 22, 2026
Bleacher Report: Suns will go 26-56 in 2025-26 season
Grant Hughes wrote: «No KD, an unproven head coach in Jordan Ott, an owner who doesn’t seem to understand NBA asset management and a Western Conference that refuses to relent combine to give the Suns little hope—both this season and over the next half-decade or so.»
Advertisement
ESPN: Suns predicted to finish in 14th place in Western Conference
Zach Kram wrote: «Phoenix finishes 14th in the West. The Suns have shooting guards, centers and just about nothing else on their roster, and a lack of playmaking and defense will make it hard for them to win with any consistency in such a deep conference. Utah’s a near lock to finish last in the West, but second to last is a realistic possibility for a team that, until recently, was all-in for a title.»
Suns-Hawks live updates: Devin Booker seeks first win in Atlanta
CBS Sports: Suns predicted to finish next-to-last in Western Conference
Four of the site’s eight experts picked Phoenix to finish 14th in the West this season, with one picking them 13th, two picking them 12th and one picking them 11th.
Advertisement
Sports Illustrated: Suns predicted to finish under 30.5 wins in 2025-26 season
Peter Dewey wrote: «The Suns could end up as one of the worst teams in the Western Conference, as they have a lot of questions on their roster after Devin Booker. With Booker and Durant (and Beal) the Suns won just 36 games last season. They are an easy UNDER if Booker misses any time in the 2025-26 season.»
Related: See what has been added as Phoenix Suns expand their $2 menu
USA TODAY Sports: Suns predicted to go 30-52 in 2025-26 season
Lorenzo Reyes wrote: «This is now, fully, Devin Booker’s team. The Suns will look very different this season, and they’ll have a dynamic backcourt with Jalen Green starting opposite Booker. Dillon Brooks will bring defensive intensity, but their offense might struggle to outscore opponents.»
Advertisement
Oops.
The Phoenix Suns are one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. Don’t believe it? Just look back at what preseason predictions said about the team, which is currently in fifth place in the Western Conference.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns pass preseason win total prediction with 38 games left
