Suns at Rockets
THE STORY: The Houston Rockets have had a winning streak of seven games and a losing streak of four already this season. After back-to-back losses, the Rockets are hoping to avoid another long slide. Never the greatest defensive club, Houston has surrendered 109.5 points in its last two games and squandered an 18-point lead in a loss at San Antonio on Wednesday. With a six-game road trip scheduled to begin Saturday at Minnesota, the Rockets will try to get another win under their belts when they host the struggling Phoenix Suns on Friday. The Suns are no strangers to defensive problems, having been torched for an average of 103.5 points in their 13 losses. Phoenix surrendered 103 points to the hapless New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday but countered with 120 of their own to pick up a win.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSAZ (Phoenix), FSH (Houston)
ABOUT THE SUNS (8-13): Steve Nash became the franchise’s all-time leader in assists on Wednesday, passing Kevin Johnson and reaching 6,522. Nash and center Marcin Gortat are two of the bright spots for the Suns, who are staring at a second straight season in the lottery. While the defense has always been suspect, Phoenix suddenly cannot seem to score. Wednesday’s result snapped a nine-game streak of failing to reach 100 points and the Suns sit in the bottom third of the league in scoring.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (12-10): Houston allowed an average of 80 points in back-to-back wins last weekend but has fallen off on that end in the last two games. The second half has been a particular concern, with the Minnesota Timberwolves scoring 42 points in the third quarter alone on Monday and San Antonio putting up 60 after the break on Wednesday. Kevin Martin has scored 29 points in back-to-back games but has been little help on the other end.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Houston snapped a seven-game losing streak in the series with a 95-93 home win over Phoenix on March 14, 2011.
2. Nash, who missed that March 14 meeting, has put up 15.2 points and 8.1 assists in 50 career games against the Rockets.
3. Martin has averaged 13.9 points in 20 career games against Phoenix - his lowest mark against any team.