The Houston Rockets will need many more defensive performances similar to their two most recent efforts in order to climb from the bottom five in the NBA in defensive rating, but the results produced against the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are nonetheless noteworthy.

Following a rout of the defending champion Golden State Warriors, the Milwaukee Bucks will be riding a high when they pay a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night.

For years, a stifling defense was one of the Utah Jazz's calling cards, which made sense considering they had a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year patrolling the paint.

Out of sync, hobbled and staggering to the end of a four-game road trip, the Phoenix Suns will take their struggles to Los Angeles on Thursday night for a matchup with the Clippers.