3/6/09 Suns @ Rockets Pre-Game

The last time the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets faced each other, the game was halted for a scuffle between several players from each team.

Suns' forward Matt Barnes and now Orlando guard Rafer Alston got into each others face in the 94-82 Rockets win.

Alston took offense to Barnes' hard pick in the third quarter of that Nov. 12 game and a few possessions later, Alston shoved back.

Tracy McGrady came to Alstons' defense and Steve Nash the same for Barnes. McGrady and Nash got into it and Alston shoved Nash, the Shaquille O'Neal came over and started plowing any Rocket in sight.

Alston and Barnes were ejected and suspended.

Much has changed since that November night in Phoenix. For the Rockets (39-23), McGrady is out for this season and for the foreseeable future, Alston was traded to the Orlando Magic and the style of offense has changed.

For the Suns (34-27), Amar'e Stoudemire had his season cut short due to a detached retina, head coach Terry Porter was dumped at the All-Star break and the Phoenix picked up the tempo under head coach Alvin Gentry.

Both teams are coming off losses on the road.

The Rockets fought tough in the 101-94 loss to the Utah Jazz, while Phoenix was out gunned by Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat 135-129.

Both teams like to get up-and-down the floor, but only Houston is committed to playing defense.

While the Shaq vs. Yao should be mentioned, look for each of them to cancel each other out. The more interesting match-up is Nash and Aaron Brooks. Neither play well on the defensive side of the ball and both shoot well. The only difference is Nash's supremely better ball-handling skills. Look for a big game from both players.

This should be a close and up-tempo game. Look for the score to be in the century mark for both teams. The Rockets take pleasure in opposing teams taking jumpshots, but Phoenix is a great shooting team. Harass Nash and for the Suns to turn the ball over and take tough, late shots and the Rockets should record its 11th straight in at home.