The Houston Rockets (52-28), 18.5-point favorites, welcome the Phoenix Suns (19-61) to Toyota Center to begin Western Conference play. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 224 points and it can be seen on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 7, 2019.
Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last game. The Rockets (18-point favorites) defeated the New York Knicks 120-96, while the Suns (2.5-point underdog) beat the New Orleans Pelicans 133-126. The Houston game hit the projected point total of 216, while the Phoenix game finished 30.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5.
The Suns had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 5.8 (better than their season average of 13.6) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.558 (above their season average of 0.514). The Rockets, meanwhile, had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 5.2 (better than their season average of 11.6) and held the Knicks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.9 (below their season average of 22.5). James Harden had a good outing for Houston, recording 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Phoenix was led by Josh Jackson, who contributed 35 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Rockets have won both contests against the Suns this season. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to score 210 points, well under the projected point total of 226. Houston won 108-102 but was unable to cover as a 12-point favorite. The Rockets’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Suns. Houston had a rate of 11.8, while Phoenix posted a mark of 17.4. Harden put up a double-double in the victory with 41 points and 11 assists.
Vegas tends to place the total high when the Suns are involved, as 44 of their 80 contests have finished under the total. Phoenix comes into the contest with records of 19-61 straight up (SU) and 36-44 against the spread (ATS).
Rockets games have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Moreover, Houston is 52-28 SU and 39-38-3 ATS.
The productive offense of Houston (second in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 113.0) will square off against the bottom-tier defense of Phoenix (29th in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 112.3). The Rockets figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Suns rank 19th in assists per game (23.9) while the Rockets rank 27th (21.1).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (45.1) while Phoenix ranks 23rd (29.1).
- The Suns rank 12th in points in the paint per game (49.7) while the Rockets rank last (42.1).
- Houston ranks 13th in fast break points allowed per game (13.5) while Phoenix ranks 26th (15.7).
- Houston ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (45.3) while Phoenix ranks 26th (46.9).
- The Rockets rank fifth in steals per game (8.5) while the Suns rank 26th in steals allowed per game (9.0).
- The Rockets rank 18th in second chance points allowed per game (13.6) while the Suns rank last (15.3).
- Houston averages 18.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Phoenix ranks 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.6).
- Phoenix is 5-1 when they allow under 100 points, while Houston is 15-2.
- The Suns are 18-39 when they reach the century mark, while the Rockets are 49-19.
- Phoenix is 18-21 ATS on the road, while Houston is 22-16-2 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 21 of the Rockets’ 40 home games, while 20 of the Suns’ 39 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Rockets are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Suns are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Houston has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push, while Phoenix has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 123.2 points per game (9.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 99.4 points per game (9.7 below their season average).
- The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 9.0 for the season.
