Rockets Try to End the Skid, Host Red-Hot Suns
Reigning and Burning. Streaking. First Step.
Tonight, the Houston Rockets try and put an end to their 10-game losing streak. It won’t be easy, as the reigning Western Conference champs, the Phoenix Suns, roll into Houston. The Suns are red-hot, winners of seven in a row, and they look to make it eight as these squads meet for the second time this season. Phoenix won the first battle back on November 4th, 123-111, as a torrid third quarter by the Rockets put the game in the Suns’ favor for good. As these teams seem to be headed in opposite directions, Houston can’t let their record affect their performance. The Rockets will get better over time, and they outplayed Phoenix outside of the third quarter in the first matchup. Houston has a chance tonight, but they need to stay disciplined.
DeAndre Ayton is out with an injury for the Suns, so Christian Wood needs to take advantage of Frank Kaminsky, or whomever Phoenix garners to get the majority of Ayton’s minutes. Chris Paul won’t let the Suns beat themselves, a habit with which the Rockets have become obsessed. Houston keep shooting themselves in the foot, by missing free throws and turning the ball over. Until the Rockets clean these two aspects of their game up, it’s going to be difficult to win games.
Tonight is the first end of a back-to-back for Houston, who travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies tomorrow night. Tip-off is slated slightly earlier than usual, at 6 P.M. local time, so the Rockets will have an extra hour before flying off on the road. It would be nice to end the skid at home. Hopefully the team finally shows the resilience needed to stay disciplined throughout the entire game… all four quarters… and they might have a chance.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Phoenix Suns (8-3): White
Houston Rockets (1-11): Black
TV: 6 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass