Khaman Maluach Fantasy Stats

Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach will start Wednesday's season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin. The 20-year-old gets the opening-night nod over Oso Ighodaro after the two competed throughout camp with Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined following surgery. Maluach averaged 3.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 8.9 minutes across 46 games as a rookie but closed the preseason with seven points and 12 boards in 24 minutes against Utah. If he keeps the job, his rebounding and shot-blocking give him a path to useful fantasy production.

Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach recorded 10 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the San Antonio Spurs. The second-year big shot 4-for-9 from the field and led all players on the glass in his first preseason start. Maluach had come off the bench behind Oso Ighodaro in Phoenix's first two games, but this performance gives him a stronger case for the starting job while Mark Williams (shoulder) is sidelined. Another good showing Wednesday would keep the pressure on Ighodaro, and Maluach's rebounding and shot-blocking give him the higher fantasy ceiling if he wins the role.

Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach has made a noticeable jump heading into his second season, according to Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports. Devin Booker said the 20-year-old has made "the biggest leap" of any Suns player he saw this summer and called him "way ahead of the curve." Maluach averaged just 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes as a rookie before posting 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in Summer League. With Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined for several months, Maluach and Oso Ighodaro are in line for increased center minutes. If Maluach earns the larger share, his rebounding and shot-blocking could quickly put him on the fantasy radar.

Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach should see his role expand with Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and is expected to miss at least five months, leaving Maluach and Oso Ighodaro as the main internal center options. The 2025 lottery pick barely cracked the rotation as a rookie, averaging 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds across 46 games, but he raised his profile in Las Vegas by averaging 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks over four Summer League games while shooting 53.2 percent. Ighodaro is the steadier connector and Marks noted Phoenix was plus-5.1 points per 100 possessions with him at center last season, so Maluach will not be handed the job outright. Still, the size, blocks, and rebounding upside make him a clear camp riser.

Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (thumb) is available to play ahead of Tuesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Maluach will shed a questionable tag and officially suit up despite dealing with a right thumb sprain. He figures to serve as depth behind Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro. Maluach will likely only play minutes in the single digits, which won't be enough to warrant streaming on Tuesday.