The Phoenix Suns lost their first matchup vs. Houston this season. They will face Kevin Durant for the first time since trading him to the Rockets.

Houston trailed 31-24 after the first quarter due to a scoring barrage from Dillon Brooks, who made his return to Toyota Center after being included in the Rockets trade package for Durant this offseason. The veteran forward had 14 points in the opening 12 minutes, shooting 6-for-8 from the floor.

The Rockets, who lead the league by far in rebounding and offensive rebounding, only won the rebounding battle 41-39 in the first meeting, and the Suns will look to employ their same strategy of putting multiple bodies on Steven Adams, although the loss of Sengun could hurt the Rockets in imposing their will down low.

A quick look revealing why the Houston Rockets ruled Alperen Sengun out for Friday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns.

Kevin Durant returns to Houston tonight, healthy and leading the Rockets against the Phoenix Suns. Durant, averaging 25 points, is the offensive engi

The Rockets went on a 24-9 run in the first half and 21-9 surge in the second half. The Suns trailed by as many as 30 points Friday in falling to 0-2 versus Houston. HOUSTON – Dillon Brooks was ready.

The Phoenix Suns fell to 11-7 on the season and had their three-game win streak snapped with a 114-92 loss to the Houston Rockets (11-4) Monday night at Mortgage Matchup Center. Kevin Durant did not make his return to Phoenix after being traded to Houston ...

Houston Rockets (10-4, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (11-6, sixth in the Western Conference) Phoenix; Monday, 9:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -5.5; over/under is 226.5 BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix will attempt to keep its three ...

Houston's Kevin Durant (24.8 PPG) attacks a Pelicans defense allowing the third-most points per game, including the sixth-most to opposing small forwards.