Tonight the Suns will go for their seventh win in a row - without their most feared perimeter defender, Raja Bell. The absence of Bell leaves a HUGE hole in the Suns defensive, especially in regards to the containment of Tracy McGrady. If the Suns want to win the game, then Barbosa and Hill need to step it up. As many of you know, this game is for 3rd place in the West. If the Suns win it will put them at 47-22, if the Rockets lose it will put them at 47-23. This win will be a welcomed boost for an injured Suns team preparing to take on the daunting task of conescutive Boston / Detroit games.

Keys to the Game:

-Contain T-Mac, let the role players beat you. T-Mac has been struggling of late. There is no doubt in my mind the Rockets are going to try to get him going early, the Suns have to put a hand in his face and let Skip and Battier try to beat us

-Break down the Rocket’s defense. This is one of the toughest Ds in the league. If the Suns can execute perfect passing while keeping the turnovers low - then frustration will ensue. Sure, defense is rewarding if it works - but it’s a hell of a lot harder to give 100% on offensive if your energy has been futilely dispensed trying to shut down one of the league’s most potent offense.

- Capitalize on the Rocket’s exhaustion. The Rockets won a hard-fought game against the Warriors last night. It should be to no one’s surprise if they are thoroughly worn out. So, the Suns should come out early and destroy their confidence. Don’t give them a chance to breath. The faster we can put this game away, the faster we can prepare for the upcoming gauntlet.

An update will follow tonight’s game.

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