Two Suns Lose Spot in Rotation

The Phoenix Suns got the performance they sorely needed. 

The Suns capped off their short-lived road trip with a resounding 129-113 victory against the Houston Rockets in a game they virtually lead wire-to-wire. 

Kevin Durant, Grayson Allen, and Eric Gordon were instrumental to the offensive outburst while an unsung hero in Udoka Azubuike rose to the occasion in 19 minutes of action off the bench.

There were two conspicuous absences from the lineup, however. 

Backup PG Jordan Goodwin and backup C Drew Eubanks both read as DNP (Coach's Decision) on the post game box score. 

This was the first game Goodwin hasn't played in all season - and the first game Eubanks missed that he was available to play in. 

Both Goodwin and Eubanks have had good moments in their respective first seasons in the Valley - particularly earlier in the season - but the pair of mainstays in coach Frank Vogel's rotation had gone cold as of late. 

It has apparently cost them a spot in the rotation: for now. 

Majority of Vogel's rotations have been about riding the hot hand. Goodwin/Eubanks are anything but that at the moment.

Goodwin has had a couple of strong games in the last three weeks, he has shot a concerning 32% from the floor and 17% from three in his last 10 games. 

Saben Lee was utilized instead in the win vs Houston. 

While Eubanks didn't have an issue with efficiency, it became obvious that his effectiveness as a rim protector and rebounder had waned in recent weeks. 

Eubanks has had some eye-popping plus/minus numbers as well, posting outputs such as -23 and -18. Azubuike replaced his minutes in Houston and is a strong candidate to do so more often.

While nothing is cut-and-dry, it appears both of the former stalwarts in the rotation have lost their spots for the time being. 

Vogel has been adamant everyone on the bench will get their opportunities as evaluations continue. 

Yet it's much more likely that Eubanks will eventually re-emerge in the lineup - if anything due to the thin front line rotation. 

While Goodwin is a tenacious defender and flashes on offense, he simply isn't consistent or polished enough to crack a playoff rotation. 

It will be much more difficult for Goodwin to find his way back to the rotation - this season at least - if Bradley Beal makes a quick return and can stay relatively healthy. 

The Suns play their next game on Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets with tip off around 7:10 PM Arizona time.