Rockets Travel to Phoenix for Matchup with Hot Suns
Hot Nights. First Half. Big Missing Piece.
For tonight’s game, the odds are stacked highly against the Rockets, but anything’s possible early on in the NBA season. Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets get back in action on Sunday night, as they travel to Phoenix to face Chris Paul and the streaking Phoenix Suns. After starting 1-1, the Suns have won 3 in a row, as they look to contend once again in the Western Conference this season. The Rockets, meanwhile, enter tonight’s game at 1-5, leading only the winless Lakers in the standings out West. However, when taking a closer look, this start hasn’t been all that bad for the Rockets. So far, only two of the five losses have come by more than double-digits, a difference marker from last season, when it seemed like every loss was a blowout. And to start this season, Houston’s schedule has been brutally tough, the most difficult in the league so far early on this season. Four of the Rockets’ six games have been on the road to start the year, and six of their next seven matchups are also away from Toyota Center. Let’s take a look at the combined record of the teams’ that Houston’s faced so far: the Hawks (4-2), Grizzlies (4-2), Jazz (5-2), Bucks (5-0), and Trail Blazers (5-1). Those teams have a scintillating combined record of 23-7 to start the year. The Rockets have faced the hottest teams in the league to start this campaign. And it doesn’t get any easier against the Phoenix Suns tonight, who are 4-2, and seeking their fourth straight win on the season.
Tonight’s contest is the first half of a back-to-back for Houston, who will travel to Los Angeles to battle the Clippers tomorrow on Halloween night. If the Rockets want any chance to upset the Suns and slow their early-season momentum, they need to get off to a hot start in this first half. Houston failed to outscore the Blazers in any quarter in their previous game in Portland. The Rockets need a fast start, they can’t afford to play from behind against Chris Paul, aka the Point God, and these streaking Suns. Houston failed to shoot the ball efficiently in their previous game, so hopefully they can bounce back with a better shooting effort after a day of rest.
Phoenix will be missing this best interior player in center DeAndre Ayton, who is out with an injury for tonight’s matchup. Look for Alperen Sengun to try and expose possible weaknesses in the Suns’ defense inside, and possibly Jabar Smith Jr., if the rookie is aggressive and attacks the basket. Smith Jr. has been settling for too many shots from beyond the arc to start his career. He needs to utilize his size inside as he adjusts to the physicality of the NBA. Can the Rockets pull the upset against former Houston point guard CP3 and the Suns? They’re going to need extra effort and attention to detail on the defensive end, and avoid costly turnovers if they want any chance to pull the upset in Phoenix. The Suns don’t beat themselves with nonsensical mistakes on the court. The Rockets will have to overpower this streaking heat-train that is the Phoenix Suns themselves, with a commitment to taking care of the ball, and dominating the transition game. It’s easier said than done. Houston’s in for a big challenge Sunday night, but crazier upsets have happened. In this league… anything’s possible.
Footprint Center: Phoenix, Arizona
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (1-5): White
Phoenix Suns (4-1): Black
Tip-Off: 8 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass