Two Western Conference opponents at opposite ends of the spectrum face off in Phoenix as the Rockets take on the Suns. The Suns lead the all time series 107-103, but the Rockets have won 8 straight dating back to 2016.
The Rockets defeated the Jazz on the road on Saturday 125-98 in their last game. They lost to the Pelicans at home last Tuesday (1/29) 121-116, and lost to the Nuggets on the road last Friday (2/1) 136-122.
The Suns lost their last game 118-112 to the Hawks at home on Saturday. Last Sunday (1/27) they lost 116-102 to the Lakers in LA, and on Tuesday (1/29) they lost 124-126 to the Spurs on the road.
On the season, Houston is 24-27-1 ATS, 9-16 ATS on the road, and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games. On the season, Phoenix is 23-31 ATS, 11-16 ATS at home, and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
GTBets has the Rockets as 8 point favourites on the road with an O/U total of 229.
Houston Rockets
(30-22 overall, 11-14 on the road, 6-4 in last 10)
Houston averages 112.7 PPG, 41.8 RPG, 10.7 ORPG, 20.7 APG, 5.4 BPG, 8.1 SPG, and 13.9 TPG. As a team they shoot 44.6% from the field, 77.9% from the free throw line, and 34.6% from 3 point range. Defensively they allow 111.1 PPG, 44.7 RPG, 47.5% shooting from the field, and 33.9% from 3 point range.
James Harden carries the load for the Rockets, averaging 36.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 8.1 APG and 2.2 SPG while shooting 43.9% from the field, 86.7% from the free throw line, and 37% from 3. Eric Gordon chips in 16.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG and 2.0 APG while shooting 39.0/78.4/31.8.
Chris Paul helps out with 15.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 7.9 APG and 2.0 SPG. Kenneth Faried (16.4 PPG/9.6 RPG/1.1 BPG), Austin Rivers (10.8 PPG/2.6 RPG/3.5 APG), Gerald Green (9.3 PPG/2.7 RPG/35.2% from 3) and P.J. Tucker (8.0 PPG/6.1 RPG/1.6 SPG) contribute as well.
Key Injuries
C Clint Capela (thumb) – out
Phoenix Suns
(11-43 overall, 7-20 at home, 0-10 in last 10)
The Suns average 106.2 PPG, 39.9 RPG, 8.9 ORPG, 23.8 APG, 5.2 BPG, 9.1 SPG, and 15.8 TPG. As a team they shoot 45.8% from the field, 77.7% from the free throw line, and 33.4% from 3 point range. Defensively they allow 115.7 PPG, 46.4 RPG, 48.2% shooting from the field, and 36.8% from 3 point range.
They are led by Devin Booker who averages 25 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.8 APG and 0.9 SPG while shooting 46.1% from the field, 84.7% from the free throw line, and 32.6% from 3.
Rookie Deandre Ayton averages 16.3 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 0.8 SPG and 1.0 BPG while shooting 58.8% from the field and 77.3% from the free throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. chips in 14.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG and 1.1 BPG. Josh Jackson (10.4 PPG/4.2 RPG/1.0 SPG), Mikal Bridges (8.1 PPG/3.0 RPG/1.5 SPG), Richaun Holmes (8.0 PPG/4.5 RPG/1.2 BPG) and Elie Okobo (6.1 PPG/2.0 RPG/2.6 APG) play big minutes as well.
Key Injuries
F T.J. Warren (ankle) – out
Predictions
The Suns are reeling, having lost 17 of their last 19 games. Not that anyone is surprised, considering they have one of the most talent deficient rosters in the league, headlined by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton and not much else. Their youth and potential has flashed this season, but their lack of quality depth and inability to score with any consistency has killed them. They have actually played well as of late, losing their last 2 games by a combined 8 points, but James Harden is on an absolute tear.
The Rockets will also be bolstered by Chris Paul as he re-acclimates to the offense as well as the surprising play of newly acquired Kenneth Faried. This Suns team doesn’t really have an answer defensively for James Harden 1 on 1, as their best perimeter defenders in Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges just aren’t experienced enough to handle him play in and play out. The Suns are built for the future, and the Rockets and James Harden are going to be too much to handle for them here.
Final Pick: Rockets (-8)