HOUSTON -- Rockets forward Dillon Brooks could be facing a potential one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the 2024-25 season. Picking up a 16th technical in the regular season carries an automatic one-game suspension under NBA rules, as does every second technical after reaching the No. 16 threshold.
Brooks was given a technical by Tony Brothers, the NBA's officiating crew chief for Wednesday's game, during the first quarter of a home matchup versus Utah.
Brothers' explanation was that Brooks received a technical for a "kick to the groin" of Jazz guard Collin Sexton, though it was hard to determine on replays whether there was any intent. Brooks had lost the ball when going up for a shot attempt, and thus was already in motion.
Brooks was at 13 technical fouls going into the week before a controversial two-technical ejection in Sunday's victory over Phoenix. Should one of those two technical fouls against the Suns be rescinded by the league office, or if Wednesday's technical is ultimately rescinded, Brooks would be able to play.
However, if the technical fouls stand as called, Brooks will presumably be out for Friday's home matchup versus first-place Oklahoma City (63-12).
Dillon Brooks appears to kick Collin Sexton in the groin or midsection. After review, Dillon gets a technical.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 3, 2025
That's his 16th tech. He will now be suspended a game, likely missing Friday's game against OKC. pic.twitter.com/IbUiuqBc34
After 16 technical fouls, players are suspended for every second technical they receive. So, Brooks would not receive another suspension unless he gets to 18 on the season. The Rockets only have five regular-season games left to play.
Each player's technical-foul count, as it pertains to potential fines and suspensions, resets at zero before the playoffs. So, Houston — which currently sits at 49-27 and at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings — would not enter with any greater risk of losing Brooks during postseason play.
Now 29 years old, Brooks is one of Houston's top defenders and veteran leaders. He's also a steady contributor on offense, where he averages 13.9 points per game while shooting 39.5% on 3-pointers.
Tony Brothers gives Dillon Brooks a technical foul for a kick to Collin Sexton's groin area, which would be Brooks' 16th tech this season and trigger an automatic suspension for Friday's game vs. OKC.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) April 3, 2025
The Rockets can (and I suspect will) ask the league to rescind the foul.
