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What: Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena Phoenix, AZ
When: Tuesday, October 13th @ 7:00 PM local time
Watch/Listen: The game will be streamed on Suns.com for those within 75 miles of the arena and will be broadcast on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Who's ready to watch Eric Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Alex Len take on James Harden, Dwight Howard, Marcus Thornton, Ty Lawson and Donatas Motiejunas?
The only matchup between these groups might be a best dressed competition, as many or all of them will be in street clothes while what's left of both rosters will take part in a preseason game that feels especially meaningless and might not engage casual basketball fans.
But for those who just had the afflatus, "More Jon Leuer, baby!"...
This is your game.
Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic is reporting that three Suns are going to sit this one out due to minor injuries.
Eric Bledsoe (stomach bug), Tyson Chandler (lower back spasms) and Alex Len (right ankle sprain) are being held out of Suns-Rockets tonight.
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) October 13, 2015
Furthermore, the Rockets appear to be playing at about half strength themselves. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports that at least four more Rockets will be sidelined in addition to Motiejunas (recovering from back surgery). Terrence Jones is also fighting through a nettlesome ailment.
Rockets going through shootaround, but expect Howard, Harden, Lawson and Thornton to be out tonight vs. Suns. All are day-to-day.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 13, 2015
Free Tickets
Perhaps sensing the lack of sex appeal in tonight's matchup, the Suns are giving away free tickets to the game for anyone that downloads the Phoenix Suns' official app. See more details in this piece from our own Sam Barloga.
Maybe they should throw in a few drinks and some popcorn...
What To Watch For
Extended minutes for both benches... who are now the starters.
T.J. Warren will likely get heavy minutes and will try to shake off a so-so performance against the Utah Jazz. Rookie Devin Booker will probably get 20+ minutes again, too. He is apparently earning playing time... at least in the preseason.
And of course I know everyone will be disappointed if they don't get a heavy dose of Jon Leuer with the Suns top two bigs sidelined.
As for the Rockets, congratulations if you can name five players that might actually play in the game tonight off the top of your head. As a prize you can have two free tickets to tonight's game... provided you also download the Suns' team app.
Check out the preview for the Houston Rockets over at The Dream Shake.