Rockets Land in the Desert for Meeting with Suns
Overnight Trap. Attacking Ayton. Harden’s Way.
A new age in Rockets basketball continues on Saturday night as Houston takes on the Suns in Phoenix. It’s the second night of a back-to-back for the squad. The Rockets are coming off an impressive win over the Lakers, but can’t get too full of themselves. The Suns are 20-31, and on the outside of the playoff picture. And they’re just the type of team, especially on the second night of back-to-back for Houston, who could give the Rockets trouble. The Suns are the worst team Houston will play before the All-Star break. Afer tonight’s game, the Rockets return home for tough games against Utah and Boston, but can’t afford to overlook these Suns. Houston will be without Russell Westbrook tonight, as he rests on the second night of this back-to-back. That means James Harden will be given the green light to facilitate all offensive necessities. Look for the Beard to have a big night with Brodie on the sidelines. If the Rockets come into Phoenix with a lackluster attitude, Houston will lose tonight without Westbrook. The Rockets need to carry that passion and energy that was on display in L.A. into the valley of the sun.
The biggest threat to Houston tonight is Phoenix’s DeAndre Ayton. In his second season, after missing the first 25 games of the season due to suspension, Ayton is blossoming into a productive player. He will be licking his chomps at the Pocket Rockets. Houston needs ti attack Ayton, and get the big-man in foul trouble. Devin Booker, the Suns All-Star who was almost-was, is just as good, or better, than many All-Stars. Booker is a scoring machine who has the ability to go-off any night. His career high in an NBA game is 70 points. No one’s topped that mark since.
The Rockets will look to go the route of the Beard on Saturday night against the Suns. Harden only took 10 shots last night, so expect James to be trigger-happy tonight in Phoenix. Robert Covington gets his second go-round with the squad. It’ll be tough to top his sensational debut, which was about as perfect as Rockets fans could’ve hoped for. Hopefully, RoCo and the mini-Rockets continue to play with the passion and energy this style requires for success. Without Brodie, everyone’s going to get more chance to shine.
Talking Stick Resort Arena: Phoenix, Arizona
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (33-18): White
Phoenix Suns (20-31): Orange
TV: 8 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW