In what is effectively the rubber match of a three-game series between the teams over a nine-day period, the Houston Rockets will again be confronted with Suns at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Saturday evening.
The Rockets (25-34) won last Friday’s match in Houston, while the Suns (35-24) won Thursday’s revenge in Phoenix.
The location of Saturday’s game could be bad news for the Rockets, who are 5-24 behind Houston this season. A high score of 20-10 at home kept the overall record quite respectable.
For the reeling Rockets, whose chances of qualifying for the Western Conference play-in tournament continue to tumble, the biggest problem in Thursday’s loss was finding offensive sources outside of Jalen Green. While the third-year guard had a season-high 34 points and a season-high seven 3-pointers, Houston shot just 33 of 99 overall and 11 of 45 from 3-point range (24.4%) as third-year goalkeeper. team.
In particular, the talented Alperen Sengun struggled with efficiency and fouling against Jusuf Nurkic before being sent off, and he will look to get back on track in Saturday’s rematch.
When and how to watch
Likely starting lineups
Houston Rockets (25-34)
Phoenix Suns (35-24)
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Guard: Devin Booker
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Guard: Grayson Allen
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Forward: Bradley Beal
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Forward: Kevin Durant
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Center: Jusuf Nurkic
Projected lineups are based on each team’s previous game, with the exception of Beal — who is listed as likely to return from injury — potentially replacing Royce O’Neale in a wing role.
Injury reports
that of Houston injury report lists Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery) and Tari Eason (left leg injury management) as out, while Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. remain in the G League.
Phoenix lists Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) as out on Saturday, while Nassir Little (left knee inflammation) is doubtful.
Eric Gordon (left groin surgery) is questionable, while Bradley Beal (left hamstring injury management) is likely to return.
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