ESPN projects Suns for eighth in Western Conference; Blazers lose Sharpe
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 10:11 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
ESPN's NBA Summer Forecast predicts the Phoenix Suns will finish eighth in the Western Conference with a 42-40 record for the 2026-27 season. They are grouped in the play-in mix alongside the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, and Utah Jazz. The Blazers face a setback as guard Shaedon Sharpe suffers a torn meniscus, sidelining him for six months. Sharpe averaged a career-high 20.8 points last season, and his absence could affect the Blazers' potential. The Suns begin their season on October 21 against the Blazers.
- •Suns project to finish eighth in the West, aiming for play-in.
- •Blazers' Sharpe will miss 6 months due to a knee injury.
- •Blazers finished seventh last season but face roster adjustments.
- •Suns open their season at Blazers on October 21.
- •San Antonio Spurs lead Western standings in ESPN's predictions.
- 10:11 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN predicts Suns a play-in team again. Blazers suffer key injury
"ESPN posted Aug. 24 its "NBA Summer Forecast" projection for Eastern Conference and Western Conference standings.
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