Before the long break, the Suns look to build momentum as they head to Houston.
Who: Phoenix Suns (26-27) @ Houston Rockets (30-20)
When: 6:30pm Arizona Time
Where: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
Watch: AZFamily, Suns Live
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Mr. 30,000, Kevin Durant, and the Phoenix Suns visit the Houston Rockets just before All-Star weekend. Greatness was on full display Tuesday night when Durant reached the 30,000-point milestone, but now it’s back to the grind for the Suns on the second night of a back-to-back. They take on a Rockets team that has been a surprise this season but has won only four of its last ten games. While the Rockets may be slipping, they have the talent to bounce back, and the Suns could find themselves in their way.
With both teams eager for a win before the break, this matchup could come down to energy and execution. The Suns need to shake off fatigue, while the Rockets will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and get back on track.
A dominant performance from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant would be the perfect way for the Suns to send a message—not just to the Rockets, but to the rest of the league. Houston has already been aggressive in its rebuild, and now rumors are swirling that they could make a push for Durant this offseason.
NBA insiders are predicting that Kevin Durant will demand a trade away from Phoenix over the summer as he was “really frustrated” about being included in trade talks at the deadline.
Houston Rockets will have the most financial flexibility on the trade market this summer.
The… pic.twitter.com/QnEDT3YW6v
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 11, 2025
If that’s the case, what better way to shut it down than by showing them firsthand that Durant isn’t going anywhere? A statement win would remind everyone that the Suns are still a force to be reckoned with, and any thoughts of poaching their stars should be put to rest.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Devin Booker — OUT (low back contusion)
- Bradley Beal — OUT (left great toe sprain)
- Cody Martin — OUT (sports hernia)
- Grayson Allen — OUT (left knee soreness)
- Vasa Micic — QUESTIONABLE (left ankle sprain)
Rockets
- Cody Zeller — OUT (Personal)
- Jabari Smith Jr.— OUT (Hand)
- Fred VanVleet — OUT (Ankle)
Uniform Matchup
What to Watch For
Amen Thompson
He can’t shoot the three, nor can he really shoot, but what Amen Thompson brings to the game is something unusual—efficiency that is unprecedented when scoring the ball. He also does it in such a flashy way, as seen below.
NASTY AMEN THOMPSON CROSS & POSTER pic.twitter.com/Gnb64KcF3I
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2025
Amen is amazing at scoring, rebounding, and defense, and it all began last year. While averaging fewer than 23 minutes per game, Amen put up stats that only Luka Dončić has matched—averaging 9.0 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, and 1.0 steals per game.
His career is just beginning, and he is one of the main reasons this Rockets team is lifting off. With his elite athleticism, defensive instincts, and relentless energy, he has quickly become a key piece of Houston’s young core. As he continues to develop, his impact will only grow, making him a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
The Three-Point Shot and Assists
The Rockets are 14-1 when hitting 15 or more three-pointers and 10-1 when shooting above 40% from deep. Over their last eight games, they have averaged 10.1 made three-pointers per game.
Their success from beyond the arc has been a key factor in their wins, but their recent shooting slump has slowed them down. If they can regain their rhythm from deep, they’ll be a tough team to stop, especially against a struggling Suns squad.
When it comes to moving the ball, the Rockets are 15-3 when recording 25 or more assists but rank 30th in the league in assists per game. What we’ve seen from the Suns this year is a tendency to give up a pace that can run them out of the arena.
The Rockets have the talent to knock down threes in transition and move the ball quickly to find open looks. If they can push the tempo and capitalize on their ball movement, they’ll have a significant advantage against a Suns team that has struggled to keep up with fast-paced offenses.
Prediction
Things are pretty rough here in the Valley, and now, on the road, the Suns will be lucky to stay competitive against a Rockets team looking to get back on track after winning just four of their last ten games.
Rockets 124, Suns 100
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