Rockets Seek Fourth Straight Win, Battle with Desperate Suns
Third Leg. Fred’s Return. Future Ramifications.
The Rockets aim for their fourth straight win as they host the desperate Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Tonight’s tilt is the third leg of Houston’s current six game homestand, their longest of the season. The Rockets locked down the Orlando Magic, allowing a season-low in points allowed en route to a 97-84 win in their previous game. Houston is aiming to stay perfect on this homestand, and the Rockets are looking for their fourth consecutive win as approximately one month remains in the regular season.
Phoenix is coming off a tough two-point loss on the road, 120-118, at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Suns are currently in 11th place in the competitive Western Conference, on the outside, desperately looking to sneak into the Play-In tournament. At the tenth seed is the Dallas Mavericks, and given the Mavs recent implosion, Phoenix certainly still has a chance to sneak past Dallas.
Houston will still be without Amen Thompson for Wednesday night’s matchup. However, Fred VanVleet will make his return tonight after missing the last five games due to an ankle injury. Hopefully FVV avoids re-aggravating that ankle as he did in his initial return at the end of last month.
This matchup has future ramifications beyond just this season and these squad’s respective fights for playoff positioning. Due to past trades, the Rockets own the Suns first round pick in this upcoming draft. Houston can kill two birds with one stone by beating Phoenix tonight. A win will push the Suns further down into the draft lottery, and if they can’t climb out of the dark, the Rockets will own Phoenix’s pick in this summer’s draft.
Despite all the trade rumors and his team’s overall record, Kevin Durant is still one of the best offensive players in the world, and a nightmare for defenses. Houston’s defense will be extra-tested with thee heart and soul of their defense, Thompson, sidelined with an ankle injury. As with KD, his teammate Devin Booker can explode for 50 points or even more on any given night. Phoenix is the best team Houston will face during this home stretch of the schedule. Expect a close and competitive game at Toyota Center, as the Rockets aim for their fourth straight win on Wednesday night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Phoenix Suns (30-35): Black
Houston Rockets (40-25): “City Edition” White
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass