When the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns last met on March 12 in Houston, Jalen Green had his way with Devin Booker in an impressive win for the home team.
Now, two-and-a-half weeks later, the veteran Suns shooting guard has a chance to get some revenge on his fourth-year counterpart from the Rockets.
It's a unique matchup for the Rockets, who have an opportunity to boost both their own playoff push and their future NBA draft outlook.
Because Houston owns the right to swap 2025 first-round picks with the Suns, Phoenix (35-39, No. 11 in the Western Conference standings) missing the playoffs would be very beneficial to the Rockets. The Suns are a game behind No. 10 Sacramento for the final spot in the West play-in tournament.
Then again, the primary focus for the Rockets is on securing their first berth in the NBA playoffs since 2020. Houston (48-26, No. 2 in West) enters with 11 wins in its last 12 games.
The Rockets won both home matchups against the Suns this season, and Sunday's game is the third and final one between the teams. Thus, a Houston victory would give the Rockets a series sweep, which would be quite helpful on multiple fronts.
Reed Sheppard Returns
Rockets say rookie guard Reed Sheppard — who missed the past 11 games — is available tonight. Sheppard had been out since early March with a right thumb injury.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) March 30, 2025
Schedule Turns More Challenging
From @ESPN: the Rockets have the hardest remaining schedule in the NBA.
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 29, 2025
Here’s their final 8 games of the season:
3/30: @ Suns
3/31: @ Lakers
4/2: Jazz
4/4: Thunder
4/6: @ Warriors
4/9: @ Clippers
4/11: @ Lakers
4/13: Nuggets pic.twitter.com/pk0BfVHzp0
Future NBA Draft Implications
The Rockets have a 7.1% chance to get a top 4 pick from the ...
