Rockets Edge Suns in Nail-Biting Finish
Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Houston Rockets 100, Phoenix Suns 97, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets beat Phoenix Suns 100-97 at Toyota Center (Houston) on January 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling contest at the Toyota Center, the Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 100-97. This victory extends the Rockets' dominance over the Suns, as they now lead the season series 4-0. Houston's strong performance at home has been a key factor in their success, boasting a home record of 22-11, while the Suns, with an away record of 21-15, have struggled to keep pace in this matchup.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. The Rockets had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, coming off a loss to the Dallas Mavericks just two days prior. Their scoring average during this stretch was 118.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 113.6 points. In contrast, the Suns were riding a two-game winning streak, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten. They averaged 116.4 points scored and allowed 110.0 points during that span. The Rockets had also been strong at home, winning their last two games at the Toyota Center, while the Suns were looking to improve their away performance.
Historically, the Rockets have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Suns, winning all five of their last encounters. This included a decisive 117-98 victory just a month earlier on December 6, 2025, and a 114-92 win on November 25, 2025. The Rockets' ability to consistently outperform the Suns in these matchups added an intriguing layer to this game.
In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. For the Rockets, Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams were all dealing with ankle and knee issues. The Suns faced similar challenges, with CJ Huntley and Mark Williams also listed as day-to-day due to hamstring and foot problems, respectively. The status of these players could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The betting market reflected Houston's home advantage, with DraftKings listing the Rockets as 8.5-point favorites and the total points set at 222.5. The odds for the Rockets to win straight up were -305, while the Suns were at +245, indicating a strong belief in the Rockets' ability to secure the win.
As the game unfolded, the conditions were competitive, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the match. The Rockets' scoring was highlighted by a crucial three-pointer from Kevin Durant late in the fourth quarter, which ultimately sealed the victory. Devin Booker of the Suns also had a strong performance, contributing significantly to his team's efforts with several key plays in the final moments.
Viewers should have focused on the intense back-and-forth nature of the fourth quarter, where every possession mattered. The scoring plays included critical free throws by Booker and a decisive jump shot by Dillon Brooks, showcasing the high stakes and pressure of the final minutes. Amen Thompson's free throw that tied the game at 97-97 set the stage for Durant's game-winning shot, exemplifying the nail-biting tension that characterized the closing moments of the game.
In conclusion, the Houston Rockets' victory over the Phoenix Suns not only highlights their current form and dominance in this series but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season as both teams continue to vie for playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -8.5 | 222.5 o -110 / u -110 | Phoenix Suns +245 · Houston Rockets -305 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- CJ HuntleyDay-To-DayHamstringPhoenix Suns
- Mark WilliamsDay-To-DayFootPhoenix Suns
Leaders
- PointsKevin Durant26Houston Rockets
- AssistsAmen Thompson6Houston Rockets
- ReboundsSteven Adams11Houston Rockets
- PointsDevin Booker27Phoenix Suns
- AssistsGrayson Allen6Phoenix Suns
- ReboundsOso Ighodaro8Phoenix Suns
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1118.6 scored · 113.6 allowed per game2-0 at home
- L104-110at Dallas MavericksJan 4
- W120-96at Brooklyn NetsJan 1
- W126-119vs Indiana PacersDec 30
- W117-100vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 28
- W119-96at Los Angeles LakersDec 26
- L108-128at LA ClippersDec 24
- L124-125at Sacramento KingsDec 22
- W115-101at Denver NuggetsDec 20
- L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
- L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
Phoenix Suns
Last 10: 7-3Streak W2116.4 scored · 110 allowed per game3-2 away
- W108-105vs Oklahoma City ThunderJan 5
- W129-102vs Sacramento KingsJan 3
- L113-129at Cleveland CavaliersDec 31
- W115-101at Washington WizardsDec 30
- W123-114at New Orleans PelicansDec 28
- W115-108at New Orleans PelicansDec 27
- W132-108vs Los Angeles LakersDec 24
- L116-119at Golden State WarriorsDec 21
- W99-98vs Golden State WarriorsDec 19
- L114-116vs Los Angeles LakersDec 15
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Phoenix Suns | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-88 | 38-87 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 14-41 | 9-37 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 24 |
| Free throws | 9-12 | 15-21 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 36 |
| Assists | 23 | 20 |
| Steals | 11 | 5 |
| Blocks | 0 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 23 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 42 |
| Fouls | 14 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 67 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter69-57Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-58Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-61Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tari Eason assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-63Kevin Durant makes 3-foot running dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-64Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-65Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-65Royce O'Neale makes 28-foot three pointer (Dillon Brooks assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-67Tari Eason makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter73-67Devin Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-67Devin Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-70Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-70Dillon Brooks makes 8-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter76-72Kevin Durant makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-73Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-74Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-76Amen Thompson makes 14-foot fade away jump shot
- 3rd Quarter78-76Ryan Dunn makes 3-foot dunk (Oso Ighodaro assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-77Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-78Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-80Reed Sheppard makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter80-80Dillon Brooks makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (Oso Ighodaro assists)
- 4th Quarter80-83Jabari Smith Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter80-85Jabari Smith Jr. makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-85Devin Booker makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Mark Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter82-87Kevin Durant makes 12-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter85-87Royce O'Neale makes 26-foot three point jumper (Devin Booker assists)
- 4th Quarter85-89Steven Adams makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter87-89Devin Booker makes 16-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter87-91Reed Sheppard makes 3-foot reverse layup
- 4th Quarter87-93Kevin Durant makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter87-94Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-94Devin Booker makes 12-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter90-94Devin Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-94Devin Booker makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Goodwin assists)
- 4th Quarter95-94Dillon Brooks makes 9-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter96-94Devin Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-94Devin Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-96Amen Thompson makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-97Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter97-100Kevin Durant makes 27-foot three pointer (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Phoenix Suns.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18055
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Che Flores, Robert Hussey
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