Relative to 2023-24 preseason forecasts, the Houston Rockets (15-13) are among the NBA’s most overachieving teams, and the star-studded Phoenix Suns (14-14) are among the biggest underachievers.
Now, as the calendar approaches a new year, will those trends continue? Or is a course correction due in relatively short order?
Wednesday night’s matchup at Houston’s Toyota Center could offer clues. The second night of a home back to back for the Rockets offers the first meeting between the teams this season.
Besides welcoming in stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Wednesday’s game also marks the first time longtime Rockets guard Eric Gordon will play against his former team. He was dealt at the 2023 trade deadline in February. Expect a tribute video to honor Gordon’s six-plus seasons of strong play in Houston.