The Phoenix Suns (30-35) are gearing up for a showdown against the Houston Rockets (40-25) this Wednesday, with tip-off set for 5 p.m. on Arizona's Family (Ch. 3 TV). This game marks the final stretch of a four-game road trip for Phoenix and serves as the second meeting between these two teams this season. If their first clash was any indication—where the Rockets pulled off a 119-111 victory on Feb. 12 in Houston—fans are in for an exciting rematch.
Suns Looking to Bounce Back
Phoenix, currently sitting at 11th in the Western Conference standings, has been in an up-and-down stretch, splitting their last six games. They’re coming off a narrow 120-118 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. However, there’s some good news—Bradley Beal, who missed the previous game due to a lingering calf injury, is expected to return to action.
With their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal back together, the Suns will look to make a strong push to improve their playoff positioning. Durant and Booker have been shouldering the scoring load, but they’ll need contributions from the entire roster to take down a red-hot Houston squad.
Rockets Riding the Momentum
On the flip side, the No. 5 seeded Rockets have been on a roll. They’ve won three straight games and are 6-4 in their last ten. Houston is led by dynamic young stars, including All-Star center Alperen Şengün and high-flying guard Jalen Green, who continues to elevate his game.
Green was electric the last time these teams met, and if Phoenix wants to avoid another defeat, they’ll need to find a way to slow him down.
Key Matchup: Jalen Green vs. Suns Defense
One of the biggest storylines of this matchup will be how Phoenix contains Jalen Green. In the previous game, Green torched the Suns’ defense with his speed and shot-making ability. His performance in the third quarter last time was especially devastating, dropping 14 of his game-high 29 points in that period alone. He hit two three-pointers and was almost perfect from the free-throw line, going 8-for-9.
The Suns struggled to contain his explosive drives and perimeter shooting, which allowed Houston to maintain control of the game. Phoenix will need a much better defensive effort this time around to avoid falling into another hole.
Suns Dig Themselves Deeper, Rockets Dominate Third Quarter
The third quarter of the last matchup proved to be the turning point. Kevin Durant tried to keep Phoenix afloat by adding nine points to his 18-point total, but the Rockets controlled the tempo and entered the fourth quarter with an 88-79 lead. Green’s dominance in the third was crucial—every time the Suns made a push, he had an answer.
Houston’s largest lead was 12 points, and while Phoenix managed a brief 6-0 run to cut the deficit to six, the Rockets quickly re-established a comfortable cushion. The Suns must be wary of Houston’s ability to go on big runs, especially with Green’s scoring bursts.
Tensions Flare: Ejections in the Second Quarter
The last game wasn’t just about scoring—things got heated in the second quarter. Suns' center Mason Plumlee, filling in for the injured Nick Richards, got tangled up in a scuffle with Houston’s veteran big man, Steven Adams. The altercation began when Plumlee tackled Adams in the paint after Green hit a mid-range jumper.
The officials wasted no time, assessing both players with Flagrant 2 fouls, leading to automatic ejections. This fiery moment added extra intensity to the game, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Wednesday’s matchup carries some lingering tension from that altercation.
Back-and-Forth First Quarter
Both teams traded blows early in the last game, setting the stage for a competitive matchup. Kevin Durant came out firing, shooting 4-for-6 for nine points in the first quarter. However, Houston managed to finish strong, closing the period on an 11-2 run to take a 32-27 lead.
Jalen Green was aggressive from the start, finishing the first quarter with 11 points, including a tough layup to cap off Houston’s surge. The Suns will need to get off to a better start if they want to dictate the pace in this game.
Injury Updates & Starting Lineups
One key factor for Phoenix will be the availability of key players. Bradley Beal is expected to return, which is a significant boost. He will rejoin Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, and Mason Plumlee in the starting lineup. Plumlee remains in place of Nick Richards, who is dealing with right ankle soreness.
Phoenix is also likely to be without backup sharpshooter Grayson Allen (left foot soreness) and backup point guard Monte Morris (lower back injury management), both listed as doubtful.
For Houston, rookie Reed Sheppard (thumb) and Amen Thompson (ankle) are confirmed out. The good news for the Rockets is that Fred VanVleet, who has been nursing an ankle issue, is probable and should be ready to run the offense alongside Green and Dillon Brooks.
What to Expect in This Matchup
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Phoenix Needs More Balance: While Durant and Booker have been putting up strong numbers, the Suns need contributions from their role players. If Beal is back to full strength, his scoring punch will be crucial.
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Houston’s Speed Advantage: The Rockets love to push the pace, and with Green’s ability to get downhill quickly, Phoenix must be prepared to defend in transition.
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Defensive Adjustments: The Suns must figure out how to limit Green’s scoring spurts, especially in the second half. If they can force Houston into tougher shots, they’ll have a chance to flip the script.
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Playoff Implications: Every game matters at this point in the season. Houston is fighting for a higher playoff seed, while Phoenix is trying to claw its way into a more favorable position. Expect both teams to come out with high energy and urgency.
Stay Tuned for Live Updates
For real-time scores, highlights, and in-game statistics, make sure to check azcentral during the game. Whether you're watching from home or following along online, this matchup promises to bring plenty of excitement.
With tensions already brewing from their previous encounter, expect a physical, high-energy battle between these two Western Conference contenders. Can the Suns even the season series, or will the Rockets continue their winning ways? We’ll find out soon enough!
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