Rockets vs Suns Preview: Western Showdown Sparks

Tonight the Houston Rockets visit the Phoenix Suns in a key Western matchup. Houston brings star power with Kevin Durant and All-Star Alperen Şengün, but they’ve been uneven lately. Phoenix surprised many, led by Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks. Both teams need strong defense and smart passing, so expect tight half-court battles and late-game drama.

Kevin Durant remains Houston’s primary scorer and late-game weapon, scoring about 26 points nightly. Alperen Şengün creates offense in the post and finds cutters with elite passing. Amen Thompson gives defense and ball-handling versatility, although the guard rotation looks inconsistent without VanVleet. If Reed Sheppard grows, Houston’s spacing and secondary scoring could improve this spring.

The Suns were expected to reset but instead became a playoff team. Devin Booker runs the offense and scores about 25 points per game, while Dillon Brooks added unexpected scoring and intensity. Mark Williams anchors the paint with rim protection and rebounding, and Grayson Allen spaces the floor. Collin Gillespie steadies ball-handling as a starting guard, helping Phoenix stay competitive.

Watch matchup details: can Phoenix contain Durant on isolation, and will Houston slow Dillon Brooks’ momentum? Pay attention to Sengün’s post passing and Mark Williams’ rim defense because those traits shape possessions. VanVleet’s absence matters; it forces more ball-handling from Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard. As a result, coaching adjustments and bench play could decide this close game.