PHOENIX — Kevin Durant is making his way back to Mortgage Matchup Center for the first time since being traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in the offseason.

Durant missed the first encounter between the Suns and Rockets on Nov. 24 due to a personal matter, making Tuesday’s matchup his first time back in the arena he played in for three seasons. The Houston All-Star was sent to Texas in a trade by Phoenix for Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, who have both been pivotal pieces for the club this season.

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Suns fans have had mixed emotions when Kevin Durant is mentioned — some good and some bad. Phoenix and Houston’s matchup will only revisit that history, which the fanbase hasn’t forgotten.

Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots a technical foul against the New York Knicks in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Suns head coach Jordan Ott, who joined Phoenix in that same offseason shakeup, said emotions are now expected from his group. He believes Phoenix is well-prepared for whatever comes on the emotional side, noting that these meaningful games excite the Suns.

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“We’ve talked about it all March and April, really since the All-Star break,” Ott said pregame when asked about the emotions fans will bring when they take on the Rockets. “We put ourselves in a position to play meaningful games. Now, as we have four left, and we know these mean even more. All those nights where you have two teams playing meaningful games, that atmosphere is going to ramp it up.”

While the Rockets have clinched their own playoff berth, the Suns are still playing for theirs. They are currently No. 7 in the Western Conference and three games back of the No. 6 seed. Any loss could keep them in the play-in tournament, while a win would keep their playoff hopes alive.

Despite the pressure from competition and the reception Durant will receive from the fanbase, Ott firmly believes nights like Tuesday will show how Phoenix handles pressure from an emotional atmosphere.

Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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“We want to be in those games,” said Ott. “It’s going to really determine where we are going into the playoffs, but it’s also giving us reps for those playoff games. That’s what we’re excited about.”

The Suns and Rockets tip off on Tuesday, April 7, at 8 p.m.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde