2025 Phoenix Suns playoffs scenario after brutal loss vs Rockets: Updated standings, schedule and more (Mar. 30)

The Phoenix Suns suffered a humiliating 148-109 loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Suns fans were so disappointed that they began showering the home team with boos minutes before the final buzzer sounded. The defeat dropped the Suns’ record to 35-40, putting them 1.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings (36-38) for the final play-in tournament spot.

Devin Booker had 28 points, three rebounds and three assists but the Rockets suffocated Kevin Durant to 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting. Phoenix trailed 78-49 at halftime and never recovered.

The Suns committed 19 turnovers which the Rockets turned into 34 points. Some of the fans headed for the exit when the lead ballooned to 42 points. Booker, Durant and the roster will have to get over the demoralizing loss as they still have a chance to overtake the also struggling Kings.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Phoenix Suns playoff picture:

Updated standings

Here is where the Suns stand in the Western Conference after Sunday's game:

Rank	Team	Wins	Losses	Games Behind
1	OKC Thunder	62	12	--
2	Houston Rockets	49	26	13.5
3	Denver Nuggets	47	28	15.5
4	LA Lakers	45	29	17
5	Memphis Grizzlies	44	30	18
6	Golden State Warriors	43	31	19
Play-in Tournament Zone
7	Minnesota Timberwolves	43	32	19.5
8	LA Clippers	42	32	20
9	Dallas Mavericks	37	38	25.5
10	Sacramento Kings	36	38	26
11	Phoenix Suns	35	40	27.5

Phoenix Suns playoff picture:

Updated schedule

The Phoenix Suns will fly East on Tuesday for a showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks. Two nights later, they will have a rematch against the Boston Celtics, which beat the Suns 132-102 in Phoenix without Jayson Tatum. The Suns will close the trip with a visit to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks.

The East Coast swing will be crucial for the Suns. They will remain in the thick of the fight for the final play-in ticket if they return with a winning record.

The Phoenix Suns will be in The Valley for a brutal stretch. They host the Golden State Warriors on Apr. 8 before squaring off against the OKC Thunder less than 24 hours later. Phoenix might be out of the race for a play-in tournament berth if they struggle on the road and stutter versus the Dubs and Oklahoma at home.

After the Warriors-Thunder slate, the Suns remain at home to face the hobbled San Antonio Spurs. Kevin Durant and Co. will end the season with a visit to Sacramento for a showdown with the Kings.

The Suns still have a chance to extend their season, but they will need to string together wins quickly.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

Know More

Phoenix Suns Fans? Check out the latest Suns depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Michael Macasero