TALE OF THE TAPE
How Rockets can punish slumping Suns and keep climbing the West
Feb 12, 2025, 10:37 am
The Rockets host the Suns Wednesday night. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
Phoenix Suns (26-27) at Houston Rockets (33-20)
Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. EST – Toyota Center, Houston
BETMGM Line: Rockets -6; Over/Under: 223.5
The Phoenix Suns will visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, looking to break a three-game road losing streak. Phoenix is currently 11th in the Western Conference, fighting to stay in playoff contention, while Houston holds the fifth spot and is aiming to solidify its position.
The Rockets have been solid against Western Conference competition, boasting a 19-12 record. However, they’ve struggled to distribute the ball effectively, averaging just 22.5 assists per game—last in the conference. Fred VanVleet, who leads the team with 5.8 assists per game, will be unavailable due to an ankle injury, potentially affecting Houston’s offensive rhythm.
For Phoenix, Devin Booker continues to lead the way, averaging 26.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. The Suns are 17-16 in conference play and will need a strong showing from their perimeter defense, as Houston makes 12.0 three-pointers per game. Grayson Allen has been heating up recently, averaging 2.7 made threes over his last 10 games.
In their last 10 games, both teams have struggled to find consistency, posting matching 4-6 records. The Suns have shown more offensive firepower in that stretch, averaging 116.1 points per game but giving up 120.0 on defense. Meanwhile, the Rockets have averaged 109.4 points but held opponents to 112.2 points per contest.
Key Matchup: Alperen Sengun vs. Suns’ interior defense
Sengun has been one of Houston’s most consistent performers, averaging 19.0 points on 49.1% shooting. If he plays through his day-to-day status (lumbar), his presence inside could challenge Phoenix’s ability to control the paint.
Injury Watch:
- Rockets: Fred VanVleet (ankle), Cody Zeller (personal), and Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) are out. Alperen Sengun (lumbar) and Tari Eason (rest) are day to day.
- Suns: Bradley Beal (toe), Vasilije Micic, and Cody Martin are day to day or awaiting trade clearance.
Both teams will need to rely on depth, with injuries limiting their usual rotations. Phoenix is desperate to stay in the playoff race, while Houston looks to protect its home court and climb the standings.
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