Rockets crash the glass against the NBA's worst rebounding defense

The Houston Rockets (7-2) visit the Phoenix Suns (2-5) on Saturday night in a game that turns on the glass, as Houston grabs 31.9% of its misses and Phoenix ranks last in defensive rebounding.

Phoenix secures 65.1% of defensive rebounds, 30th of 30 teams, so Rockets misses tend to stay live. The Rockets, with the league's third-best offense, have an effective field goal percentage of 56.5, third in the NBA. The Suns allow 57.3, 28th.

Phoenix's defensive rating of 119.7 is third from the bottom. Houston's net rating of 10.4 is second in the league.

Alperen Sengun runs the offense from the post at 22.4 points and 8.1 assists a game. Houston plays slowly, 26th in pace, and with its backup centers out, more of the rebounding falls to him. Kevin Durant adds 1.6 blocks a game.

Devin Booker leads Phoenix with 25.4 points a game and makes 95.7% of his free throws. Houston is fifth in the league at keeping opponents off the line, so his easy points will be scarce. Collin Gillespie averages 2.7 steals.

The Rockets' frontcourt is thin. Centers Steven Adams, who plays 20.9 minutes a game, and Clint Capela are out, expected back Monday, November 9. Julian Phillips and reserve guards Bruce Thornton and Quadir Copeland are also out.

Phoenix is without center Mark Williams, who plays 22.9 minutes a game and is expected back Wednesday, February 3. Jordan Goodwin is doubtful and Rasheer Fleming is questionable, which leaves the Suns short on the boards Houston attacks.

The Suns won their last game, 117-104 over Orlando, after a run of losses that included 127-120 to Denver. The Rockets fell 117-107 at home to Minnesota in their last game, but earlier beat Oklahoma City 119-98 and Milwaukee 132-100.

Tip-off is at 9 p.m. ET in Phoenix. Sportsbook prices give Houston a 71% chance to win; Keel Stats' projection gives the Rockets 68% and a 5.8-point margin.