League Pass Featured Matchup: Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns (8 ET)

The Houston Rockets, with a record of 40-25, are set to face off against the Phoenix Suns, who currently hold a record of 30-35, in a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown on Wednesday. The Suns will be eager to secure a crucial victory as they strive to secure a spot in the playoffs, while the Rockets are determined to stay close behind the Grizzlies for the coveted No. 4 seed. Here are five key things to keep in mind leading up to the game.

1. Rockets jockeying for position: It’s a crowded playoff picture in the West with the second-seeded Nuggets just two games ahead of the Rockets, who currently sit in fifth. The Lakers and Grizzlies are also firmly in contention for the second seed. The Rockets will have little margin for error the rest of the way.

2. Phoenix’s road woes: The Suns have struggled away from PHX Arena with a 12-22 road record. They are wrapping up a grueling four-game road swing comprised of four prospective playoff teams in the Nuggets, Mavericks, Grizzlies, and now the Rockets. They entered March with the toughest remaining strength of schedule in the league, and this road trip certainly supports that metric.

3. Durant leading the charge: Kevin Durant has been playing at an extremely high level in his last 15 games. He is averaging 27.0 points on 53.6% shooting from the floor. That PPG figure ranks eighth in the NBA over that span.

4. Sharp-shooting Suns: The Suns have the fourth-best 3-point percentage in the league in March at 40.6%. That will be put to the test Wednesday against a Rockets team that ranks seventh in opponent 3-point percentage.

5. Jabari Smith stepping in: Amen Thompson is sidelined with an ankle injury, leading to an increased role for Smith. In Monday’s start against the Magic, Smith posted 20 points and seven rebounds over 32 minutes. He will be called upon to be a bigger contributor in the coming weeks while Thompson is on the mend.