Rockets vs. Suns: 3 Best Bets for Final Matchup of the Year
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After dropping their last game to the Phoenix Suns, 110-105 Thursday night, the Houston Rockets have a chance to tie the season series. Phoenix has beaten the Rockets twice this year, and with one last look at the Suns before the playoffs, Houston is looking to come away with a win.
In Houston's lone win over Phoenix, on February 23, both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker had solid nights, but it was not enough for Houston's well-rounded attack that saw six players score double-digit points.
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Tari Eason and Steven Adams are once again out for Houston, and the Suns have Damion Lee out. Eric Gordon and Nassir Little are questionable, and Bradley Beal is probable after sitting out on Thursday's matchup.
Keep it posted for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Suns -9.5 (-110)/Rockets +9.5 (-110)
Money line: Suns (-500)/Rockets (+330)
Over/under: 233.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Alperen Sengun UNDER 19.5 points (-118)
Is it sacrilegious to suggest betting a Rockets' under on a Houston site? Maybe, but Alperen Sengun has not been the fringe All-Star we've seen as of late. He's averaged 17.4 points per game over his last five, but his field goal percentage has taken a dip. After scoring only eight points in the last matchup with the Suns, expect his downward trend to continue.
Opponent pick: Devin Booker UNDER 26.5 points (-133)
Devin Booker is averaging 26.6 points against Houston this season and 29 points since the All-Star Break, but with Bradley Beal commanding some offensive attention tonight, he should see fewer shots than he has in recent games.
Team Pick: UNDER 233.5 points (-110)
These teams combined for only 215 points in the earlier matchup, and Houston's defensive stars--Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson--made life difficult for Phoenix. With the Rockets' defense playing well in the last matchup, expect them to lean into that again tonight. Take the under across the board.
