PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets enter Friday's matchup as the league's elite rebounding force, ranking first in offensive rebounding at 33.4 percent while simultaneously leading the NBA in total rebounds. Their offensive approach emphasizes high-frequency midrange shots and post-ups, with a deliberate, slow-paced attack that limits spacing on the perimeter. Coming off a dominant stretch with eight wins in their last ten games, Houston has built momentum behind superstar Kevin Durant and All-Star center Alperen Sengun. The Rockets' defensive identity shines through their ability to limit three-point shooting quality, ranking fourth in that category while rarely launching attempts from beyond the arc themselves at just 33.4 percent of their shots. Phoenix counters with elite perimeter defense and a knack for forcing turnovers, ranking second in that critical category while also posting respectable three-point efficiency at fifth overall. However, the Suns struggle with defensive rebounding—checking in at 24th—and operate at a leisurely pace that mirrors Houston's methodical approach, both sitting near the bottom of the league in tempo. The Suns will face this challenge without star guard Devin Booker, who is sidelined for at least a week with an injury. Recent form has been encouraging for both squads, with Phoenix winning six of their last ten while Houston captured eight of theirs, setting up a clash between two teams trending upward heading into this Western Conference battle.