The Phoenix Suns face the Houston Rockets tonight looking to bounce back after a dominant 114-92 loss on November 24. The Suns seek redemption in this Western Conference matchup against a Rockets team riding high with the third-best record in the NBA.
🔥 Quick Facts
The Rockets defeated the Suns 114-92 on November 24 without Kevin Durant in their lineup
Houston leads 1-0 against Phoenix this season and owns the Western Conference’s 3rd-best record at 14-5
Phoenix sits at 13-9 despite missing star guard Devin Booker (right groin strain) and Jalen Green (right hamstring strain)
Kevin Durant averages 25.0 points, 5.1 rebounds against his former team in a high-stakes reunion
Suns Face Measuring Stick in Rockets Showdown
Phoenix enters Friday’s matchup at Toyota Center as 11.5-point underdogs after losing convincingly last month. The Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-108 on Monday without Booker, highlighting their depth even when key players are sidelined. Dillon Brooks led the way with 33 points, while Collin Gillespie added a career-high 28 points and 8 three-pointers.
This contest represents a significant test of Phoenix’s ability to compete against elite competition. The Suns are 12-5 over their last 17 games, showing resilience despite injury setbacks. Houston’s dominance in the first meeting raised questions about whether Phoenix can contain the Rockets’ explosive offensive system.
Houston’s Firepower and Proven Chemistry
The Rockets score 121.7 points per game, the highest in the Western Conference through their first 19 games. Amen Thompson led Houston to victory in November with 28 points, while Aaron Holiday contributed 22 points off the bench. This offensive consistency makes Houston one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Kevin Durant’s return to face Phoenix adds narrative intrigue to Friday’s clash. The star forward played 145 games over three seasons with the Suns, averaging 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before being traded to Houston in a blockbuster seven-team deal during the offseason. Alongside Alperen Sengun, Durant forms a formidable duo that tested Phoenix thoroughly in their first meeting.
Key Matchups and Player Previews
Category
Phoenix Suns
Houston Rockets
Record
13-9 (7th West)
14-5 (3rd West)
PPG
117.0
121.7
Top Scorer
Devin Booker (25.0) – OUT
Kevin Durant (25.0 PPG)
Key Depth
Dillon Brooks (22.3), Collin Gillespie, Grayson Allen
Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson
Collin Gillespie has emerged as a crucial piece for Phoenix off the bench, scoring 28 points with 8 three-pointers against the Lakers. The Suns’ perimeter shooting led by Dillon Brooks (averaging 22.3 points) and Grayson Allen will need to be sharp against Houston’s defensive scheme. Phoenix’s ability to space the floor and generate assists (averaging 25.9 per game) provides hope against a Rockets team allowing 25.5 assists per contest.
Injury Report and Availability Questions
The Suns face significant health concerns entering Friday’s action. Devin Booker remains out with a right groin strain he sustained during the Lakers victory. He is expected to be reevaluated in one week. Jalen Green is also unavailable with a right hamstring strain, further limiting Phoenix’s offensive options. Only Isaiah Livers is questionable with a right hip strain, giving Phoenix slight hope for additional depth.
The injury situation places enormous pressure on role players to deliver consistent performances. Royce O’Neale accrued 11 assists (a career high) against Los Angeles, demonstrating that the Suns’ ball movement remains effective even without their star player. Mark Williams continues to excel as a shooter and rebounder, showing his value as a pivot piece in this new-look Phoenix roster.
How Can Phoenix Avenge the November 24 Blowout?
The Suns must address the defensive intensity that allowed Houston to dominate two weeks ago. Houston’s 114-92 victory came against a shorthanded Phoenix team, but Friday’s contest will test whether the Suns learned from that experience. Phoenix’s defense must pressure Kevin Durant and force turnovers rather than allowing comfortable offensive rhythm.
Phoenix also needs Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie to replicate their scoring efficiency while continuing to distribute the basketball. The Suns’ recent 125-108 win over LA showed they can compete when their role players elevate their game. If Phoenix generates 30+ points off turnovers and wins the three-point battle against Houston, they have a realistic path to victory despite being significant underdogs in this West Coast matchup.
“If the Suns can make Durant uncomfortable with aggressive defense, they can definitely throw a wrench into the Rockets’ game plan.”
— Burn City Sports Analysis, Suns Preview Commentary
Sources
NBA.com – Official game preview and team statistics
ESPN – Injury reports and game coverage
Sports Illustrated – Prediction and betting analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.