Rockets Look to Improve Defense Against Suns Amid Playoff Push
The Houston Rockets (25-30) are set to host the Phoenix Suns (28-29) on Wednesday night as both teams aim to find consistency before the All-Star break. The game will be a test for Houston’s defense, which was once among the league’s best but has slipped in recent weeks.
Rockets’ Defensive Struggles & Injury Concerns
For much of the season, Houston ranked second in defensive rating behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, a mix of injuries and inconsistent communication has seen the Rockets fall to fourth in defensive rating, contributing to a six-game losing streak before they managed a win against the Toronto Raptors.
🔹 Key Injuries Impacting Houston:
- Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) – OUT (last played Jan. 1)
- Fred VanVleet (ankle) – OUT
- Alperen Sengun (back) – Game-time decision
Head coach Ime Udoka has emphasized that improving defensive communication is key:
💬 “Certain guys are always on point with it, others need to get up to speed. The lack of practice time has hurt our communication, but we’ll get back to where we were earlier in the year.”
Houston currently sits outside the Western Conference play-in spots, making this a crucial matchup against a struggling Suns team.
Phoenix Suns: Struggles & Trade Deadline Drama
The Suns dropped below .500 (28-29) after losing 119-112 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Despite Kevin Durant’s historic night, Phoenix has now lost five of its last six games and remains a play-in tournament contender rather than a true title threat.
🔥 Kevin Durant’s Milestone Night:
Durant scored 34 points against Memphis, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 30,000 career points, joining LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
However, despite Durant’s performance, trade deadline rumors suggested Phoenix explored moving him, highlighting the franchise’s frustrations. The Suns ultimately kept their Big Three (Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal), but coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the need for improvement:
💬 “We need to be better defensively, on the glass, and in transition. When we move the ball, find threes, and control the boards, we thrive.”
What’s at Stake?
- Houston (25-30): Needs a win to keep its play-in hopes alive.
- Phoenix (28-29): Desperately trying to stay in playoff contention and build chemistry.
📅 Tip-Off: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
📍 Location: Toyota Center, Houston
📺 Broadcast: ESPN, ATTSN-SW, AZ Family
Who do you think takes this one? Will the Rockets’ defense bounce back, or will Durant and the Suns find their rhythm? 🤔🔥
