The Phoenix Suns (33-23) continue their tour of the state of Texas with a visit to the Houston Rockets (24-31). This is the second of four meetings scheduled for the season. These two teams will get very familiar with each other as they will play three times in the next two weeks. The Suns won the first matchup by double digits.
Phoenix has been hot and cold all season, but the playoff push begins now. Can the team win big against one of the bottom feeders in the West?
Phoenix Suns Vs. Houston Rockets: Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Phoenix Suns | -3.5 -115 |
O 233.5 -108 |
-175 |
| Houston Rockets | +3.5 -105 |
U 233.5 -112 |
+145 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Phoenix Suns @ Houston Rockets
Date And Time: February 23, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Toyota Center in Houston, TX
Key Stats
Phoenix Suns (Averages)
Points: 117.5
Points Allowed: 114.5
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.6/85.5 for 49.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.9/31.5 for 31.5%
Free Throw Efficiency: 20.3/25.1 for 80.9%
Rebounds: 9.8 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 43.2 Combined
Assists: 26.7
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 6.0
Turnovers: 14.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 42.3/90.7 for 46.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.1/35.7 for 36.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 16.8/21.8 for 76.8%
Rebounds Against: 11.4 Offensive, 29.8 Defensive, 41.2 Combined
The Phoenix Suns have been hot as of late despite the loss last night to the Dallas Mavericks. They are 7-3 in their last ten, shooting over 50% during that span. For the Suns, it all comes down to three-point shooting and rebounding. They have been poor in both of those areas, which has caused inconsistency. The time to make a push is now. They currently sit at seventh in the West which puts them in the play-in tournament.
Bradley Beal is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, and Damion Lee is still out with a knee injury. The Phoenix Suns will likely be cautious with Beal as they need him for the home stretch. It is all up to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to carry the load.
Houston Rockets (Averages)
Points: 113.2
Points Allowed: 113.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.5/89.9 for 46.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.1/34.3 for 35.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.2/23.7 for 76.9%
Rebounds: 11.1 Offensive, 34.6 Defensive, 45.7 Combined
Assists: 24.9
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 4.4
Turnovers: 13.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.5/87.8 for 46.2%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.5/35.9 for 34.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 19.4/26.1 for 74.5%
Rebounds Against: 10.4 Offensive, 33.9 Defensive, 44.3 Combined
The Houston Rockets showed some promise early in the season but have been reeling as of late. They are 3-7 in their last ten games. This matchup is favorable for Alperen Sengun, who has averaged 21.1 points and 9.1 rebounds this season. Jalen Green has also been on a hot streak lately. He has averaged 18 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists during that span.
Tari Eason is out with a leg injury, but that is it for injuries. While the playoffs seem unlikely, the end of this season is all about laying the foundation for next season.
Game Prediction
While the Houston Rockets could trouble the Phoenix Suns with their size, the talent disparity is too much. In the last matchup, Eric Gordon had a huge game, as the young guards had trouble stopping the veteran player. Phoenix needs this game much more than the Rockets do. Beginning the final stretch 0-2 is not great. I expect the Suns to get up big early and then coast to a victory. While the temptation to bet the over is there because of how many scorers there are, neither team scores as many points as you think.
Final Pick
Phoenix Suns -3.5 and Under 233.5
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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