The Phoenix Suns (16-53) will travel to the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets (42-26). The Rockets opened as 13.5-point favorites. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 225 points and it will air on ATTSN Southwest at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Rockets (4-point favorites) were defeated by the Golden State Warriors, 106-104, while the Suns (8.5-point underdogs) fell to the Utah Jazz, 114-97. The Houston game finished 18 points under the projected point total of 228, while the Phoenix game went 9.5 points under the projected point total of 220.5.
Phoenix did a terrific job of making free throws (18-23; 78.3 percent) while Houston did a fantastic job of making free throws (19-23; 82.6 percent). James Harden played well for Houston with 29 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Devin Booker had a good game for Phoenix, contributing 27 points and six assists.
In their first matchup this season, Harden led the Rockets to a 118-110 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 44 points. Houston was unable to cover as an 8.5-point favorite and the two teams combined to score 228 points, which was just over the projected point total of 227.5. The Rockets’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Suns. Houston had a rate of 10.9, while Phoenix posted a mark of 15.6.
Of the Suns’ 69 games, 39 have finished under the projected point total. Phoenix holds records of 16-53 straight up (SU) and 31-38 against the spread (ATS).
In opposition of Phoenix, games involving the Rockets have finished over the projected point total 51.5 percent of the time. Further, Houston is 42-26 SU and 31-35-2 ATS.
The high-octane offense of Houston (second in the league with an offensive efficiency of 112.4) will clash against the porous defense of Phoenix (29th in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 112.0). The Rockets should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Suns vs. Rockets ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Rockets rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (44.8) while the Suns rank 26th (46.7).
- Houston ranks sixth in steals per game (8.5) while Phoenix ranks 29th in steals allowed per game (9.0).
- The Suns rank 12th in points in the paint per game (49.2) while the Rockets rank last (42.5).
- Houston ranks 11th in fast break points allowed per game (13.0) while Phoenix ranks 29th (16.5).
- Houston averages 13.4 second chance points per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. Phoenix ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (15.2).
- The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (44.7) while the Suns rank 23rd (29.1).
- The Rockets rank ninth in assists allowed per game (23.4) while the Suns rank 27th (26.0).
- Houston ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while Phoenix ranks 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.6).
- Houston is 12-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Phoenix is 5-1.
- The Rockets are 39-18 when they reach the century mark, while the Suns are 15-34.
- Houston is 18-15-1 ATS at home, while Phoenix is 15-20 ATS on the road.
- In 35 road games, the Suns have 18 unders and 17 overs.
- In 34 home games, the Rockets have 21 overs and 13 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Phoenix and Houston have both had 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Suns are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 3-2.
- During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 110.6 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.6 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 2.7 for the season.
