The Phoenix Suns have the Western Conference’s second-best record and haven’t played since Friday. The Houston Rockets have the second-worst mark in the West and are playing their second game in 24 hours. That’s the backdrop for Monday’s game at Toyota Center, in which Chris Paul and Devin Booker’s rested squad is looking to make it six straight wins.
The Suns annihilated the Thunder in their most recent outing, 140-103 (box score), while the Rockets lost to the Pelicans on Sunday, 122-115 (recap). On paper, the matchup is clearly tilted in Phoenix’s favor.
The Rockets won’t issue an official injury report until Monday, since they played on Sunday. However, head coach Stephen Silas indicated before the game that John Wall (left knee effusion) wasn’t likely to return until at least Wednesday. Guards Eric Gordon (groin), David Nwaba (wrist), and Dante Exum (calf) remain sidelined by longer-term injuries.
The Rockets also lost starting forward Danuel House Jr. to a right ankle sprain on Sunday night, and he’s unlikely to play Monday.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Monday’s game:
- Date: Monday, April 5
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (13-36)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Sterling Brown
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Kelly Olynyk
- Center: Christian Wood
Phoenix Suns (34-14)
- Guard: Chris Paul
- Guard: Devin Booker
- Forward: Mikal Bridges
- Forward: Jae Crowder
- Center: DeAndre Ayton
The Rockets won’t have recent signing Armoni Brooks available, owing to the league’s entry protocols this season for COVID-19 testing. Since Brooks wasn’t with an NBA club in recent weeks, he will need to test negative for several days before he can be cleared to join team activities. Silas estimated Sunday that Brooks could join them by Thursday.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
