Trail Blazers open season at home against Suns as Damian Lillard returns
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The gist
Portland hosts Phoenix in its 2026-27 opener, with Damian Lillard playing his first home game since 2023.
Lillard's return from a torn Achilles is the night's main draw.
Background
Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers' franchise all-time leading scorer, is 36 and returns for his first Portland game since 2023 after missing all of last season with a torn Achilles. Portland also debuts Ja Morant, the guard acquired from Memphis this summer for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, under first-year head coach Micah Nori. Phoenix is led by All-Star guard Devin Booker, who averaged 26.1 points per game last season. The matchup follows a 2025-26 series in which the Suns won the regular-season meetings 2-1 but Portland won the play-in game in Phoenix.
How it unfolded
- 2025 -26 seasonPortland finished 42-40 and Phoenix 45-37; the Suns won the regular-season series 2-1, with both wins in Portland.
- Apr 14, 2026The Suns beat the Trail Blazers in an NBA play-in tournament game in Phoenix; Devin Booker was fouled by Deni Avdija in the second half.
- Oct 21, 2026The teams meet in Portland's season opener at Moda Center, 7:00 PM PT, with sportsbooks listing the Trail Blazers as roughly 2.5-point favorites.
Who’s saying what
- Bulls
- Covers backs Trail Blazers -2.5, playable up to -4.5, citing the more complete roster and a large frontcourt advantage.
- Analysts
- An oregonlive model projects a 117-114 Portland win, with the Blazers moneyline (-142) as a smaller edge.
- Caution
- Sportsbook Wire predicts Trail Blazers 121, Suns 115 but passes on the moneyline.
- Party
- Suns guard Jalen Green said Portland has talented guards but Phoenix matches up well with any team and must lock in on defense.
Still unverified
Deni Avdija (right ankle soreness) is questionable, with his status to become clearer after shootaround; Jrue Holiday is a minor concern after sitting out the preseason finale with right-hand swelling (X-ray negative); Luke Kennard (left knee tendon) and Micah Potter (illness) are listed as questionable.