Houston Rockets Vs Phoenix Suns Preview

March 9, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) makes the pass in front of Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris (11) in the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

With two games left, the Houston Rockets are in control of the 6^th seed.  They are currently tied with the Golden State Warriors, but own the tiebreaker between the two teams.  Having won six of their last eight games, the Rockets appear to be finishing the season off strong, which can be extremely important for a young team.

“I think we’re clicking at the perfect time,” said Chandler Parsons. “We’re playing so unselfishly, we’re playing for each other, we’re all on the same page and know our roles and our responsibilities. I think we can’t be playing any better than we are right now.”

Look for James Harden to have a pretty big game Monday night at the Phoenix Suns.  Harden has averaged 29.7 points on 53.3 percent shooting (52.2 from 3-point range) as Houston took two of three games from Phoenix earlier this season.  He was also credited with the game-winning shot on Tuesday, as Jermaine O’Neal was called for goaltending on the final shot of the game.

But while Harden finishes out the best season of his career thus far, he is still focusing on getting better every day.

“It’s about improving our small things, little detailed things,” Harden said. “I don’t think the home-run plays are going to get us over the top. I think the small things are going to help us be successful in this postseason.”

Meanwhile, the Suns have had a horrendous inaugural season in the post-Steve Nash era.  At 24-56, they are guaranteed to finish with the second-worst record in franchise history.  They have lost 15 of their last 17 games, averaging 17.5 turnovers during that span.  Aside from former Rockets Goran Dragic and Luis Scola, the Suns do not pose any other threats on their roster.

The only other player the Rockets should keep an eye on is Wes Johnson, who has averaged 14.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting and knocking down 39.3 percent from long distance over his last 10 games.