Overview
- Houston enters at 14-5 after a 121-95 win over Sacramento built on 78 points in the paint and a 62-32 rebounding edge, with Kevin Durant posting 24 points and eight assists and Alperen Sengun adding 28 and 10.
- Devin Booker is out with a right groin strain and will be re-evaluated next week, and Jalen Green remains out with a right hamstring strain.
- Kevin Durant is set for his first meeting against the Suns since the blockbuster trade, having missed Houston’s 114-92 win in Phoenix on Nov. 24 for personal reasons.
- Dillon Brooks plays his first game in Houston since being dealt to Phoenix and is averaging 22.3 points, with multiple outlets projecting he will shoulder a heavy offensive load in Booker’s absence.
- Tip-off is 8:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Center, with Space City Home Network and NBA League Pass carrying the game; the Suns are 13-9 and seventh in the West while Mark Williams and Grayson Allen are available.