Get ready for a showdown that could shake up the Western Conference standings! The Houston Rockets are on a mission to extend their impressive home winning streak to six games, but standing in their way are the Phoenix Suns, a team with a knack for sinking three-pointers. But here's where it gets controversial: Can the Rockets' dominant field goal percentage (49.0%) overpower the Suns' high-volume three-point shooting (14.1 made per game)? And this is the part most people miss: While the Rockets have a slight edge in overall scoring, the Suns' ability to rain threes could be the game-changer in this matchup.
The Rockets (21-11) host the Suns (21-14) on Monday at 8 p.m. EST in Houston, with the Rockets favored by 8.5 points and an over/under of 224.5. Houston has been a force at home, winning five straight, but Phoenix isn’t an easy opponent—they’ve gone 19-12 against Western Conference teams this season. The Rockets, led by Kevin Durant’s 25.7 points per game, are third in the West in scoring, while the Suns rely on their three-point prowess, with Collin Gillespie leading the charge from beyond the arc.
Here’s the twist: The Rockets’ field goal percentage is 1.8% higher than what the Suns typically allow, but Phoenix averages nearly 4 more points per game than what Houston gives up. This clash of strengths promises an electrifying contest. In their last meeting on December 6, the Rockets dominated with a 117-98 victory, thanks to Amen Thompson’s 31-point explosion. But with key injuries on both sides—Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Alperen Sengun (ankle) out for Houston, and Grayson Allen (knee) and Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined for Phoenix—this game could come down to depth and adaptability.
Over the last 10 games, the Rockets are 5-5, averaging 118.6 points and shooting 49.9% from the field, while the Suns are 7-3, averaging 116.4 points and 46.9% shooting. Thompson has been on fire for Houston, averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists in that span, while Jordan Goodwin has been a three-point threat for Phoenix, averaging 8 made threes in his last 10 games.
Bold prediction: This game could hinge on which team exploits the other’s weakness. If the Suns can’t contain the Rockets’ high-percentage shooting, Houston might run away with it. But if Phoenix catches fire from deep, they could pull off the upset. What do you think? Will the Rockets’ streak continue, or will the Suns’ three-point barrage steal the show? Let us know in the comments!
