Dillon Brooks available against Rockets as Suns race toward No. 6 seed
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) walks off the floor during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images PHOENIX — Questions surrounding whether Dillon Brooks would be available to play against the Houston Rockets have been resolved, with the NBA rescinding his 18th technical foul issued Sunday. Brooks received the technical foul against the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter, along with a double technical assessed to Bulls’ Mac McClung.
The Phoenix Suns forward faced a one-game suspension if the league upheld the foul, which is automatically issued every two games after a player receives a 16th technical. The forward has previously been suspended this season due to technical foul trouble. Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images What made this potential suspension even more notable was that the Suns are still chasing a playoff berth with four games remaining in the regular season. As one of the team’s offensive leaders and tone setters on the court, Brooks’ absence would have once again shaken up the lineup.
It would also have added more time away from the team. With Brooks trying to rebuild chemistry after being sidelined for over a month with a left-hand fracture, every minute on the court is valuable in getting him back up to speed. Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Some Phoenix fans have expressed frustration over the technical fouls Brooks has received, with some even suggesting he is being “targeted. ” “I’ve been watching, and it’s just not fair to keep penalizing him like this,” Mary John wrote to Burn City Sports.