Rockets vs. Suns: 3 Best Bets

The Houston Rockets head to Phoenix for the first of two games against the Suns.

After dropping two straight games to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets will travel to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns. 

So far this season, the Rockets and Suns have split their season series, 1-1. The Suns are coming off a win against the Lakers, and are hoping to make a push before a deep playoff run behind their trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

Tari Eason and Steven Adams remain out for Houston, and the Suns have a rather loaded injury report. Damion Lee is out, while Eric Gordon, Jusuf Nurkic, and Bradley Beal are all questionable. 

Keep it posted here for our three best bets, courtesy of the lines and odds at SI Sportsbook. 

Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Lines

Point spread: Suns -8.5 (-110)/Rockets +8.5 (-110)

Money line: Suns (-400)/Rockets (+290)

Over/under: 232.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Alperen Sengun OVER 21.5 points (-133)

Since the All-Star Break, Alperen Sengun has only passed this line once, but he's been close in all of them. With Nurkic possibly not playing, the Suns will be limited defensively. Plus, Sengun is averaging 20.5 points against the Suns this season, so the added bump from Phoenix's injuries should be enough to allow him to hit the over. 

Opponent pick: Kevin Durant UNDER 26.5 points (-118)

Kevin Durant has been the model of consistency all season. Averaging 28 points this year and 25.2 over his last five games, he posted 27 and 28 against Houston in earlier matchups. However, in the first game, he didn't play against Dillon Brooks, and Amen Thompson has only gotten better on the defensive end. Expect the ball to run through Devin Booker against Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. 

Knicks vs. Rockets Protest Denied by NBA

Team pick: OVER 232.5 points (-110)

Since the All-Star Break, four of the seven games these teams have played hit the over. However, Booker is emerging as a top talent regardless of position, and Bradley Beal, when healthy, is an elite third option. Expect Houston to step up their offense to keep it close and a high-scoring game to ensure.