Rockets vs. Suns: 3 Best Bets

The Houston Rockets host the Phoenix Suns tonight, and we have the best bets from the lines at SI Sportsbook.

The Houston Rockets look to return to their winning ways in the Toyota Center after losing to the Indiana Pacers last night. They host the Phoenix Suns, who are having a disappointing season and will try to crack the .500 mark tonight.

Kevin Durant is off to one of the best starts of his career but is reportedly frustrated about the lack of supporting cast around him. It’s worth noting that Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker command over $150 million this season alone in cap space, so questions need to be asked about who else the Suns can afford to appease their star.

Houston is dealing with concerns of their own. After starting the season 6-3, they are hovering just inside the playoff picture with a 15-13 record, so this win would help keep them hopeful.

Phoenix will be without Damion Lee and Bradley Beal, with Jusuf Nurkic and Josh Okogie questionable. Victor Oladipo remains out, and Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks are questionable for the Rockets. Check out our best bets below, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Rockets forward Tari Eason dunks against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Lines

Point spread: Suns -2.5 (-110)/Rockets +2.5 (-110)

Moneyline: Suns (-150)/Rockets (+120)

Over/under: 226.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Jalen Green UNDER 17.5 points (-133)

Jalen Green has not surpassed this line since December 8th, and Ime Udoka is rapidly losing faith in him. Green is shooting only 24 percent from deep over his last five games, and if Durant or Eric Gordan get hot, it could bait Green into jacking up shots, reducing his minutes considerably. The Jalen Green who was drafted second overall in 2021 has not shown up in over a month, and there’s no reason to bet on him tonight.

Opponent pick: Kevin Durant OVER 27.5 points (-133)

Durant may be frustrated, and he only scored 16 points against Dallas on Christmas, but in the five games before that, he was averaging over 30 points. If Brooks sits, then Houston will not have an answer for Durant on the defensive end. Even if Brooks plays, Durant is one of the best offensive players of this generation (and all-time), and Houston simply won’t have an answer for him.

Rockets Send 3 to G League Before Game vs. Suns

Team pick: Rockets to win (+120)

Given that we are predicting an off night for Green and a big night for Durant, this pick might seem counterproductive, but the Suns simply do not have the depth to compete with Houston. Phoenix put all their eggs in one basket and Bradley Beal has hardly played this season, bringing their “Big Three” to an “Excellent Two With No Help.” Not how you win games, and Houston should be able to return to form at home tonight.