The very small Suns are expected to be without starting center Nick Richards in addition to usual Sixth Man Grayson Allen. Starting point guard Fred VanVleet, meanwhile, is expected back from a fairly long absence for Houston. The Rockets average 15.4 turnovers per game without Freddie VV compared to 13.6 when he plays -- with a 30-16 mark.

For the Phoenix Suns time is running out on closing the gap and sliding a spot in the play-in. They blew a golden opportunity in their last matchup against a depleted Grizzlies team and lost by two points. Overall though they have fought on their current road trip. They took Denver to overtime and covered the number against Dallas. As impressive as the Rockets are on their home floor, give me the Suns to fight within the number.

The Suns have been a mess at center this season. Things won’t get any better for them Wednesday with Nick Richards (ankle) doubtful. That will leave Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro to try and slow down Alperen Sengun on the boards. Sengun hauled in 13 rebounds when he faced the Suns in February and has a great opportunity to dominate the glass in this rematch.

We are operating as if the Suns defense - especially on the road - is irrevocably busted until proven otherwise. Are we continue to fade it. Beat up Memphis and Dallas, struggling offensive, soared over their team totals vs Suns. Suns have allowed 116 or more on road in 11 straight games, allowing 120+ in 8 of them! They are allowing 128(!!!)/G over last 11 on road. Rockets should be running more like last year but are at least league average in pace over last 10 games and Suns lacks of any rim defenders should be a major problem here. Don't need to stroke 3s to hit. Rockets went for 119 last time they hosted PHX and 118+ in 4 of last 8 at home.