In the midst of a career year, Brooks still brings the "invaluable" skill of the guy you love to see on the court — if he's on your team.

The Houston Rockets are proving that they firmly belong in the title conversation after weeks of elite two-way basketball. Most recently, they proved they could without their star scorer in Kevin Durant, defeating a hot Phoenix Suns team 114-92 on Monday night.

My Rockets vs. Suns predictions and free NBA picks call for Phoenix to cover with Durant absent. The Houston Rockets have won five of six to get to 10-4 on the season, but the Phoenix Suns are not that far behind them at 11-6.

The Houston Rockets head to Phoenix for a showdown against the Suns tonight on Peacock. This will be the first of four meetings between the two teams this season. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM ET, following the Cavaliers vs. Raptors game at 7:30 PM.

PHOENIX -- Dillon Brooks had a great first performance against his former team with the Phoenix Suns Monday night, but he did not get the final result he had hoped for. Brooks posted a game-high 29 points against the Houston Rockets, but the Suns (11-7) fell 114-92 in their worst offensive showing of the season.

Ime Udoka led the Houston Rockets to a dominant 114-92 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Following the contest, he had an interaction with a Suns fan on his way to the locker room.

Booker finished with 18 points, going 5 of 13 from the field, including 2 of 6 from 3-point range, along with the six turnovers. Booker tied a career high in turnovers with nine against the T-Wolves in that 114-113 comeback thriller Nov. 21.

Pistons lead 1-0 after 127-112 victory as 8.5-point home favorites Nov. 17 The Pistons are the hottest team in the league, winners of 12 straight, after a 129-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday.