Game 56: Houston Rockets At Phoenix Suns Preview

It’s back to work for our team Houston Rockets’ fans!

Let’s hope they used the valuable time off to sort out all the issues this team has been having at winning basketball games!

The expected trade deadline excitement was rather bland as the Rockets shipped Donatas Motienjunas and Marcus Thornton to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Joel Anthony and a first-round pick. The team then sent Anthony to the Philadephia 76ers along with a second-round pick that they acquired via the Ty Lawson trade.

It’s tough to see D-Mo go but this was something I had a feeling was in the works and I hope he latches on with the guys in Motown and excels.

The Suns traded away troublesome forward Markieff Morris to the Washington Wizards in exchange for a first-round pick, DeJuan Blair and Kris Humphries.

This deal wasn’t expected to give an immediate boost to the team but to set the table for the future.

They’re still a horrible team and the Rockets should have no problem and defeating them tonight.

Key word: SHOULD.

So who’s leading the charge for the Suns?

More from House of Houston

Brandon Knight is the leading scorer (19.7 PPG) and assist man (5.1 APG) and steals king (1.29 SPG). Tyson Chandler is the top board-getter (8.5 RPG) and Orlando Johnson is the top shot-blocker (1.50 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Suns do well.

They don’t too much all that well with the immense amount of injuries they’re suffering from but here’s a few tidbits:

They thrive to have the ball in their hands. The Suns are ranked 5th in the NBA as far as PACE, averaging 100.1 possessions per game.

They’re decent at rebounding the ball defensively. The Suns are ranked 12th in defensive rebound rate (76.5).

Injuries:

Terrence Jones was involved in a car accident Feb. 3, and as a result, has been out since then. He had been diagnosed with a concussion and is still going through concussion protocol. He did not travel with the team — but practiced yesterday — so his status is likely DOUBTFUL.

Sam Dekker had back surgery back in November but the 2015 first-round pick seems to be edging closer to a return. He participated in his first full-contact practice since the injury this past Wednesday. His return is imminent but whether he starts with the Vipers or directly on the roster because of the two slots that were vacated as a result of yesterday’s trade, remains to be seen.

Brandon Knight is still reeling from his groin injury and is taking it slowly day-by-day. There’s no timetable for his return and he’ll definitely be OUT tonight.

Newly-acquired Suns forward Kris Humphries has been apparently suffering from an illness — if it’s not one thing it’s another — so his status with his now-7th NBA team is likely QUESTIONABLE pending a physical.

Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Mark J. Spears of Yahoo Sports and Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.

Next: What REALLY Happened With The Rockets At Trade Deadline?

Three Things to Watch:

Patrick Beverley vs. Archie Goodwin
Dwight Howard vs. Tyson Chandler
How many minutes will the bench get tonight?

Prediction:

110-99 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets continue their road trip to take on the Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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