Venue Location
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas. This state-of-the-art arena seats over 18,000 fans and has been the Rockets’ home since 2003. It’s known for its electric atmosphere during big games, and Houston enters this matchup with a strong 10-2 home record this season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local time). The game will be broadcast on Space City Home Network, AZFamily, and Suns+.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been competitive mid-season, but Phoenix is riding momentum while Houston looks to rebound from a recent setback.
Phoenix Suns (Last 10 Games: 7-3): The Suns are surging, winners of their last two and 7 of their past 9. They’ve shown balanced scoring and improved defense, holding opponents under 110 points in four of their last five wins. Key recent results:
W 108-105 vs. OKC (Jan 4): Dramatic comeback with Jordan Goodwin’s career-high 26 points and Devin Booker’s game-winning 3-pointer.
W 129-102 vs. SAC (Jan 2): Dominant home win, shooting 56.3% from the field.
L 113-129 @ CLE (Dec 31): Struggled defensively, allowing 50.4% true shooting.
Form streak: W-W-L-W-W. ATS: 8-1 in last 9 games. They’ve gone 6-4 to the under in their last 10.
Houston Rockets (Last 10 Games: 6-4): The Rockets have been solid at home (5 straight wins) but inconsistent on the road. They’re coming off a loss without key bigs, but their pace-and-space offense ranks high in efficiency. Key recent results:
L 104-110 @ DAL (Jan 3): Shot just 38.7% in a low-scoring affair without Alperen Sengun.
W 120-96 @ BKN (Jan 1): Efficient shooting (57.3%) and strong rebounding.
W 126-119 vs. IND (Dec 29): Balanced attack with 59.0% FG.
Form streak: L-W-W-L-W. ATS: 3-2 in last 5. They’ve gone over in 6 of their last 10.
Injury Report
Injuries loom large, particularly for Houston’s frontcourt.
Phoenix Suns:
OUT: Jalen Green (hamstring) – Re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks; averaging limited minutes in his two games this season.
OUT: Grayson Allen (knee) – Missing his ninth straight; key shooter at 16.3 PPG and 42% from three.
The Suns are otherwise healthy, but fatigue could factor as this is the second night of a back-to-back.
Houston Rockets:
OUT: Alperen Sengun (ankle) – Sprained just 64 seconds into the Jan 3 loss; averages 21.8 PPG, 9.0 REB, 6.5 AST.
OUT: Fred VanVleet (ACL) – Out for the season; major loss at 13.3 PPG and playmaking.
Questionable: Steven Adams (ankle) – Missed last two; provides 6.0 PPG and 8.4 REB off the bench.
Two-way players JD Davison and Tristen Newton are out (G League).
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially with roster changes in this 2025-26 season (e.g., Kevin Durant now with Houston, Dillon Brooks with Phoenix). Houston’s length and athleticism could exploit Phoenix’s size issues without Sengun, but the Suns’ guard play might create mismatches.
Devin Booker (PHX) vs. Amen Thompson (HOU): Booker (25.7 PPG, 6.4 AST) is Phoenix’s offensive engine, fresh off a game-winner. Thompson (18.0 PPG, 7.4 REB, 5.2 AST, 1.4 STL) is a versatile defender who could shadow Booker, using his 6’7″ frame to disrupt drives. Edge: Booker if he exploits switches; Thompson’s athleticism could force turnovers.
Dillon Brooks (PHX) vs. Kevin Durant (HOU): A gritty wing matchup. Brooks (21.4 PPG, career-high efficiency) brings defensive intensity and could guard Durant (25.7 PPG, 52.3% FG, 42.3% 3PT). Durant, Houston’s scoring leader, thrives in isolation—expect physicality here. Edge: Durant due to size and skill, but Brooks’ tenacity might limit him to under 25 points.
Mark Williams (PHX) vs. Jabari Smith Jr./Steven Adams (HOU): Williams (center for Suns) provides rebounding (11+ per game in spots), facing Smith Jr. (15.5 PPG, 7+ REB) or Adams (if active). With Sengun out, Houston’s frontcourt is thin—Williams could dominate the glass. Edge: Williams if Adams sits; Smith’s shooting stretches the floor.
Other Key Watches: Reed Sheppard (HOU, 13.3 PPG, 41.7% 3PT) vs. Collin Gillespie (PHX)—a rookie vs. vet guard battle. Jordan Goodwin (PHX) could follow his 26-point outburst if Allen remains out.
Series HistoryThe all-time regular-season series is razor-thin: Suns lead 118-117 over 235 games. However, Houston has dominated recently, winning the last 6 meetings (including playoffs). Key recent games:
Dec 5, 2025: HOU 117-98 PHX (Rockets covered -8.5).
Nov 24, 2025: PHX 92-114 HOU (Rockets won as -6.5 road favorites).
Average margin in last 5: Rockets by 18.6 points. Houston is 5-0 ATS in this stretch, with 3 unders.
Phoenix holds a slight edge in playoff history (6-8 series), but Houston’s current form at home (5-0 SU/ATS last 5) gives them the nod.
Betting Trends
Spread: Houston is 18-14 ATS overall (6-6 as 8.5+ favorites), but 12-8 ATS at home. Suns are 23-10-2 ATS (8-1 last 9), including 3-5 as 8.5+ underdogs. Phoenix is 6-1 SU in last 7 as road dogs.
Over/Under: Houston games hit over 51.4% (18-17); Phoenix 54.3% (19-16). Last 5 head-to-head: 3-2 to under, averaging 225.3 points. Recent trends: Suns 6-4 under last 10; Rockets 6-4 over. ATS Trends: Suns 8-1 ATS last 9; Rockets 4-1 SU last 5 home. Phoenix 6-1 ATS as underdogs of 7+ points.
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns 222.5
Houston Rockets – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 4, 2026
