Phoenix faces Houston, aims to end 9-game slide
Houston Rockets (29-21, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (11-42, 15th in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Monday, 9 p.m. Eastern
BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix enters the matchup against Houston after losing nine straight games.
The Suns are 7-26 against conference opponents. Phoenix ranks fourth in the Western Conference with 14.3 fast break points per game, led by TJ Warren averaging 3.7.
The Rockets have gone 17-13 against Western Conference opponents. Houston averages 41.9 rebounds per game and is 16-2 when out-rebounding opponents. The matchup Monday is the first meeting this season for the two teams.
TOP PERFORMERS: Devin Booker is first on the Suns with 24.8 points and averages 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. has averaged 17.7 points and six rebounds while shooting 42.7 percent over the last 10 games for Phoenix.
Kenneth Faried ranks second on the Rockets with 9.8 rebounds and averages 15.2 points. James Ennis III is shooting 44.5 percent and has averaged six points over the last 10 games for Houston.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 6-4, averaging 118.9 points, 41.1 rebounds, 18.9 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.1 points on 48.2 percent shooting.
Suns: 1-9, averaging 105.5 points, 38.8 rebounds, 22.3 assists, 7.9 steals and 6.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting.
Suns Injuries: TJ Warren: out (ankle), De'Anthony Melton: day to day (ankle), Deandre Ayton: day to day (ankle).
Rockets Injuries: Chris Paul: day to day (back), Clint Capela: out (right thumb).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by HERO Sports, and data from Sportradar.