Imagine tuning in to a highly anticipated NBA matchup, only to find out that key players are sidelined due to injuries and illnesses. That’s exactly what’s happening when the Houston Rockets host the Phoenix Suns this Friday. Rockets’ rising star Alperen Sengun, a forward who’s been making waves this season, will sit out due to an illness, with Steven Adams stepping in as his likely replacement. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the Suns aren’t coming in at full strength either. Devin Booker, their scoring powerhouse, will miss his first game of the season after a groin injury against the Lakers, while Jalen Green (hamstring) and Isaiah Livers (hip) remain questionable or out. And this is the part most people miss—Houston’s injury report doesn’t stop there. Fred VanVleet (ACL), Tari Eason (oblique), and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) are also out, leaving the Rockets significantly shorthanded.
Amidst all these absences, one storyline stands out: Kevin Durant will face his former team, the Suns, for the first time since his offseason trade. Durant missed their first meeting this season, a 112-94 Suns loss on November 24, due to personal reasons. While Durant’s 25 points per game this season would be his lowest since his rookie year, and his 49.3% shooting is a dip from his usual standards, his presence alone adds a layer of drama to this matchup. Speaking of drama, Dillon Brooks—who was part of the trade package for Durant, along with Jalen Green and the No. 10 overall pick (center Khaman Maluach)—dropped 29 points in that November loss to his former team. “A good fight. We’ll see ’em in December,” Brooks said afterward. “We got some learning to do.”
But here’s the controversial part: With both teams missing so many key players, does this game truly reflect their potential? Or is it just a preview of what could have been? And while Durant’s stats might be down, is this a temporary slump or a sign of a larger trend? These questions make this matchup more than just a game—it’s a conversation starter.
Tune in to 98.7 or the Arizona Sports app at 6 p.m. MST to catch all the action, and let us know in the comments: Do you think the Rockets or Suns will rise above their injuries to claim victory? Or is this game a wash due to the missing talent? The court—and the debate—is wide open.
