Rockets @ Suns 4-2-17

[Mainstreet]

Tonight the Rockets visit the Suns for a game scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Arizona time.

Interestingly enough the Rockets are on a three game losing streak but look to get well against the Suns. The Rockets are having shooting woes from 3 point range and the Suns have the worst defense in the league in giving up this shot.

Here is more from the ESPN Preview:

The Rockets (51-25) need any combination of three wins or three losses by the Utah Jazz (47-29) over the final six games of the regular season in order to clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The Rockets were cruising along, having won seven of eight, before their current three-game skid. Two of the three losses were at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, including 107-98 Friday night in Oakland on the second night of their current three-game trip.

The biggest problem in the slump: The league's most frequent 3-point shooters suddenly can't locate the hoop from beyond the arc.

The Rockets went 5 for 31 in a home loss to Golden State on Tuesday, 8 for 34 in a loss at Portland on Thursday and 12 for 37 in the rematch with Golden State on Friday.

That's 24.5 percent (25 for 102) for a team that's shot 36.0 percent for the season.

The Suns have lost 11 games in a row.

http://www.espn.com/nba/preview?gameId=400899475

 

[Mainstreet]

From Doug Haller:

Doug Haller‏Verified account@DougHaller 11m11 minutes ago
The Suns list rookie Dragan Bender as available for tonight's game vs Houston. Bender had ankle surgery Feb 8 and hasn't played since.

I hope Bender does play soon if not tonight. Only 5 games left.

 

[Mainstreet]

My understanding is Harden, Ariza and Ryan Anderson are out tonight.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I think we might win tonight. We are not catching the Lakers and this team doesn't want the losing streak record.

Oooopf! Just looked and saw then Lakers lost. Wonder of wonders.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think we might win tonight. We are not catching the Lakers and this team doesn't want the losing streak record.

I think a lot depends if the Rockets can hit their 3 point shots. The Suns are worst in the league defending this shot.

I'm also thinking the Rockets may win.

 

[Ronin]

Phoenix Suns‏ @Suns
Injury report: Warren (illness) & Barbosa (rt hamstring spasm) are out; Bender, Price & Ulis are available tonight vs Houston.

 

[Mainstreet]

Phoenix Suns‏ @Suns
Injury report: Warren (illness) & Barbosa (rt hamstring spasm) are out; Bender, Price & Ulis are available tonight vs Houston.

So Warren is out. Maybe Bender gets some minutes at SF.

 

[SweetD]

Jones Jr is starting, Warren out. Bender is warming up! We may break the youngest starting lineup again before year is up. I am looking forward to see Bender out there.

 

[Mainstreet]

I like how Len is playing aggressive of late. I'm not sure if the light has finally come on or it's the urgency of free agency. Maybe both.

 

[Mainstreet]

Bender is in the game in the 1st quarter.

Beverley is saying, I don't need Harden with his play.

 

[Mainstreet]

Bender already with 4 points and 2 rebounds in 3 minutes. He is moving well for being out.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

I like how Len is playing aggressive of late. I'm not sure if the light has finally come on or it's the urgency of free agency. Maybe both.

Yeah his aggressiveness fouled him out again last night. I really havent seen any improvement since he proclaimed he'll show why he's a starting center. IMO he's gone. I am curious to see bender in action tonight. Really dont expect much after being out so long though.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yeah his aggressiveness fouled him out again last night. I really havent seen any improvement since he proclaimed he'll show why he's a starting center. IMO he's gone. I am curious to see bender in action tonight. Really dont expect much after being out so long though.

I think Len has played much better over the previous three games. Whether that's enough, I don't know. Len was a late starter in basketball so I hate to give up on him only to see him blossom with another team. If the Suns can keep him, it's one less hole to fill. I guess it might come down to money.

 

[Mainstreet]

Bender is showing what he can do tonight with 9 points, 6 rebounds in 9 minutes.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Bender is showing what he can do tonight with 9 points, 6 rebounds in 9 minutes.

Im pleasantly surprised by bender tonight. Id like to see him exclusively at the 5. Ive seen enough of Len. After four years of that project its time to call bust. I really dont see what your seeing when you watch him? But you know what they say about opinions.

 

[Mainstreet]

Im pleasantly surprised by bender tonight. Id like to see him exclusively at the 5. Ive seen enough of Len. After four years of that project its time to call bust. I really dont see what your seeing when you watch him? But you know what they say about opinions.

I don't like giving up on draft picks especially if they show flashes of improving. Len has showed me just enough to keep me interested. IMO, he is not a bust. He should have a long NBA career. The problem is, we do not know if he will be successful as a starter.

Of course, I still think Archie Goodwin has a chance to become a good NBA player some day.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Loving Ulis tonight. Haha...That sounded weird!

 

[Mainstreet]

Beverley is proving he is a complete player with 24 points and 7 assists. He is shooting 10-15 from the field.

 

[Mainstreet]

Bender is coming back in the game at the 5:16 mark of the 3rd quarter.

 

[Mainstreet]

Loving Ulis tonight. Haha...That sounded weird!

Tyler is playing crazy good tonight. Eddie Johnson says no one is guarding him. I don't care, the points count the same.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Tyler is playing crazy good tonight. Eddie Johnson says no one is guarding him. I don't care, the points count the same.

I agree. Still has to make the shot which he is. The same with Booker going for 70. Nobody shot them for him.

 

[Mainstreet]

I agree. Still has to make the shot which he is. The same with Booker going for 70. Nobody shot them for him.

Totally agree.

 

[Mainstreet]

Len told Harrell where to put that shot with the block.

 

[Mainstreet]

End of 3 quarters:

Rockets 90 Suns 83

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm glad the Suns signed Ulis to a 4 year contract.