The Phoenix Suns (21-14) and Houston Rockets (21-11) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will broadcast live on SCHN.
The Rockets are 8.5-point favorites over the Suns on the spread (Rockets -8.5), with the over/under set at 222.5 total points. Houston is a -310 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Phoenix is +250 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Suns vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Monday, January 5.
Suns vs Rockets Prediction, Picks
Suns vs Rockets picks: Kevin Durant 35+ PTS + REB + AST / Jabari Smith Jr. 12+ Points / Amen Thompson 6+ Rebounds / Rockets Moneyline (+174)
My Suns vs Rockets best bet is a same game parlay with a potential payout of +174, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Suns vs Rockets Odds
| Suns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -120 | 222.5 -108o / -112u | +250 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 +100 | 222.5 -108o / -112u | -310 |
Suns vs Rockets NBA Preview
Last night, the Suns rallied for a 108-105 victory after being down by 18 against Oklahoma City, a position that's typically not where you want to be.
Devin Booker made a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left to go, and he finished with 24 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in the victory.
Jordan Goodwin made eight 3s off the bench and scored a career-high 26 points. Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback. It will be a quick turnaround for them as they travel to Houston and face another Western Conference contender.
The Rockets are back home after falling 110-104 in Dallas on Saturday night. Kevin Durant scored 34 points and added five rebounds and seven assists in the loss. He will take on his former team for the second time this season.
The Rockets will get a boost from being back home, where they are 10-2 this season compared to 11-9 on the road. At home, Houston has the second-best offensive rating and a +12.5 net rating.
Tonight, however, it will be a bit shorthanded in the frontcourt. Alperen Sengun has been dealing with a right ankle sprain and left Saturday's game in the opening minutes, while Steven Adams is questionable with a right ankle sprain as well.
If Adams is out once again as well, Clint Capela figures to get the start at center. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. will be needed on the glass as well.
Suns vs Rockets Prediction, Betting Analysis
Over Durant's last 10 games, he is averaging 27.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. He has recorded at least 35 PRA in nine of his previous 10 games. He also had 40 PRA in his lone game against Phoenix this season with 28 points, four rebounds, and eight assists.
Smith is coming off a rough game as he went 2-for-13 and finished with seven points in Dallas. However, he has scored 17 and 16 in two games against Phoenix this season and he has scored 12 points in nine of his last 10 games.
Thompson is coming off his sixth double-double of the year with 20 points and 12 rebounds. He has pulled down at least six rebounds in eight of his last 10 games and in three of his last four against Phoenix.
While I don't feel strongly about the spread either way, I do like the Rockets to win tonight. They have won six straight and eight of the last 10 meetings. They also have the rest advantage with the Suns traveling on the second night of a back-to-back.
Suns vs Rockets Parlay Picks
- Kevin Durant 35+ Points, Rebounds, and Assists
- Jabari Smith Jr. 12+ Points
- Amen Thompson 6+ Rebounds
- Rockets Moneyline
Parlay Odds: +174 via DraftKings
