Suns vs Rockets live updates: Kevin Durant's return game

Phoenix looks to avoid season sweep against Houston in matchup of playoff-bound teams

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:18am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, depicting the action of a basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets through sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of a high-stakes NBA matchup between the playoff-bound Suns and Rockets.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Suns host the Houston Rockets in a late-season NBA matchup, with former Suns star Kevin Durant making his return to Phoenix. The Rockets have won all three previous meetings this season, and the Suns will be looking to avoid the season sweep against their Western Conference rival.

Why it matters

This game has playoff implications, as both the Suns and Rockets are jockeying for position in the crowded Western Conference standings. Durant's return to Phoenix after spending three seasons with the team adds extra intrigue, while young star Jalen Green will also be making his first appearance against the Rockets this season after missing the previous matchups due to injury.

The details

The Suns are led by Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and rookie center Mark Williams, while the Rockets counter with a starting lineup featuring Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and rising young talents Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun. This will be the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with the Rockets having won the first three matchups.

  • The game tips off at 8 p.m. local time on April 7, 2026.
  • This is Kevin Durant's first game back in Phoenix after spending the last three seasons with the Suns.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 13-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion, Durant is making his return to Phoenix after spending the last three seasons with the Suns.

Devin Booker

The Suns' star shooting guard and five-time All-Star, Booker will look to lead Phoenix to victory against his former teammate Durant.

Jalen Green

The Rockets' second-year guard, Green will be making his first appearance against the Suns this season after missing the previous three matchups due to injury.

Alperen Sengun

The Rockets' promising young center, Sengun has emerged as a key part of Houston's starting lineup.

Amen Thompson

The Rockets' rookie guard, Thompson has impressed in his debut season and will be looking to make an impact against the Suns.

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What they’re saying

“This is a big game for us, not just because of Kevin's return, but because of the playoff implications. We need to come out and play our best basketball to get the win.”

— Devin Booker, Suns Guard

“I'm excited to be back in Phoenix and play against my former teammates. But at the end of the day, this is about our team getting the win and continuing to improve our playoff positioning.”

— Kevin Durant

What’s next

The Suns and Rockets will meet again on April 9 in the final regular-season matchup between the two teams.

The takeaway

This late-season clash between the Suns and Rockets has significant playoff implications, with both teams jockeying for position in the crowded Western Conference. Kevin Durant's return to Phoenix adds extra drama, while young stars like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson will look to make their mark in this high-stakes showdown.