Suns vs Rockets Pick, Prediction Tonight | Friday, Feb. 23

Here's everything you need to know about Suns vs. Rockets on Friday, Feb. 23 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

The Phoenix Suns return to the floor Friday when they take on the Houston Rockets in a Western Conference clash.

Phoenix enters the matchup as a short -3.5 favorite with the total hovering around 233.5, as of writing. So, where does the betting value lie? Let's make a Suns vs. Rockets pick and prediction after diving into both teams.

The Suns' return to action from the All-Star break will be rough to start out. Bradley Beal remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, they're coming off a road loss to the Dallas Mavericks, and they have the league's hardest remaining schedule while trying to fight to avoid the play-in and secure a playoff spot.

Because the task ahead is so daunting, the Suns have to be locked in and beat the teams they should, which starts when facing the 12th seed in the Western Conference in the Rockets.

Despite playing in a road back-to-back, Phoenix has a short trip from Dallas to Houston. However, the situational spot is not easy.

While the Rockets get a dimly lit version of the Suns, the task at hand is still very tough.

The Rockets are also on the second night of a back-to-back set, and despite being the home team, the Rockets had to travel back from New Orleans and actually traveled further than the Suns.

Fred VanVleet also got hurt in Thursday's game and may have lingering head/concussion symptoms. I would not be surprised if he were to miss some time. If he's ruled out, this line goes another 1.5-2 points in the Suns' direction.

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The Suns are the early sharp side of the market. The line opened at 3.5, and with heavy volume and money on that side, it has started to get juiced to -115. I expect this number to close at -4 with VanVleet active and -5.5 or -6 if he's inactive.

There's a strong sense of one-sided movement considering the handle and expected injury news.

On the Phoenix side, we know Beal is very likely out, and that injury is already priced in. I like the Suns' talent to win out for a standard one-unit bet.

Pick: Suns -3.5