Rockets vs. Suns: 3 Best Bets
The Houston Rockets got blown out on Thursday night by the New Orleans Pelicans. Amen Thompson had an excellent 22 points, but it was no match for three Pelicans scoring at least 20 points.
The Rockets return to Houston to take on the star-studded Phoenix Suns, who also lost last night, falling to the Dallas Mavericks. However, behind Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the Suns are one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Dec 27, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Gordon (23) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) during the game at Toyota Center.
© Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Tari Eason and Steven Adams remain out for Houston, and Damion Lee is out for the Suns. Bradley Beal is questionable, although he did not play last night.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, courtesy of the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Suns -3.5 (-118)/Rockets +3.5 (-110)
Money line: Suns (-188)/Rockets (+145)
Over/under: 233.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Alperen Sengun OVER 19.5 points (-133)
Not only did Alperen Sengun score 20 points in last night's All-Star Break return, but he scored 24 against the Suns in Houston's only other game against Phoenix, showing that the physicality of Jusuf Nurkic is not enough to stop him.
Opponent pick: Devin Booker OVER 28.5 points (-120)
Booker was only able to score 20 points in his lone matchup with Houston, which is considered an off-night from him. However, he dropped 35 points against Dallas last night, and Houston's best defenders will have to focus on Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, and Kevin Durant. Booker, who is one of the best shot-creators in the league, should thrive.
Team pick: OVER 233.5 points (-110)
These two teams combined for 242 points in the previous matchup, and the Suns posted a combined score of 236 last night. Houston only combined for 232 with New Orleans last night, but the veteran-led Suns will be able to control the pace of this game, so expect a high-scoring affair.
