Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns game preview

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 07: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass against Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Technically, this game counts as a schedule advantage for the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets haven’t played since Wednesday, but the Phoenix Suns had a game on Thursday. In fact, this is the third game in four nights for the Suns, so I’m adding it to the counter.

After crashing back to earth after a phenomenal 5-0 start, the Rockets are 2-2 since. The defeat at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves should be a wake-up call for those that were itching to crown the Rockets as contenders. They still could be! It’s a long season.

As most of you are aware, the Rockets own Phoenix’s first round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. Therefore, this game has double importance as Houston wants the Suns to be bad (but not too bad!) and the Suns want to make that pick bad (really bad!). These teams got most of the faux bad blood out of the way last year, especially when Kevin Durant finally played in Phoenix late in the season. The Rockets should win this game, but never underestimate a motivated Dillon Brooks or Jalen Green. Add in Rockets killers Luke Kennard, Collin Gillespie, and Pat Spencer (hmm…what do they all have in common?) and you get a recipe for a “We didn’t take them seriously” loss. And that’s before I mention Devin Booker, Miles Bridges, Ryan Dunn, and (kinda once-Rocket) Khaman Maluach.

8pm CT

Space City Home Network

Clint Capela: GTD

Steven Adams: OUT

Mark Williams: OUT

Rasheer Fleming: OUT

Jordan Goodwin: OUT

N/A

Check here for updates

Rockets: 2

Opponents: 2

Monday night in Houston against the Denver Nuggets