The Phoenix Suns (20-31) go head-to-head against the Houston Rockets (33-18) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will air on ATTSN Southwest at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020.
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns ATS Prediction
The Rockets come in on a high note after beating the Los Angeles Lakers in their last matchup, 121-111, as 13-point underdogs. The total points for the game (232) came in over the O/U total of 223. One of Houston’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-18 (88.9 percent), while the Lakers were 12-16 (75.0 percent). With 41 points on 17-for-28 shooting, Russell Westbrook was the game’s leading scorer.
In the Suns’ previous outing, they lost to the Detroit Pistons, 116-108, despite being 3-point favorites. The total points for the game (224) came in over the O/U total of 217. Detroit’s 5.6 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Phoenix, who had a mark of 15.2. The Pistons’ mark was better than their season average of 13.3, while the Suns’ was above the 12.1 mark opponents have averaged against Detroit this season. With 26 points and 12 rebounds, Deandre Ayton had a solid performance for Phoenix.
The physical Houston offense looks poised to dominate from the foul line. The Rockets rank fourth in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.227, while Phoenix ranks 23rd in FTA rate allowed (0.219).
Houston holds records of 33-18 straight up (SU) and 25-25 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Rockets have gone under the total 54.0 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 20-31 SU and 24-26-1 ATS. Contrary to Houston, just over half of Suns games have finished over the projected point total.
The Rockets have emerged victorious in both games against the Suns this year, including a 14-point victory the last time these teams met. Houston covered as a 9-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 264 points, which was 26 points above the projected point total of 238 points. Houston was lights out from beyond the arc (19-41; 46.3 percent). Phoenix, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.8 vs. 13.9). James Harden was the game’s leading scorer with 47 points.
Rockets vs. Suns Betting Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Houston is 12-13 ATS on the road with 15 unders and 10 overs.
At home, Phoenix is 10-15-1 ATS with 15 overs and 11 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Phoenix is 6-2 and Houston is 3-0.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Rockets are 33-16 and the Suns are 19-25.
Phoenix ranks second in assists per game (26.9) while Houston ranks 28th (21.6).
The Suns rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.6) while the Rockets rank 27th (35.5).
Phoenix ranks ninth in fast break points allowed per game (12.5) while Houston ranks 28th (15.5).
The Suns rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while the Rockets rank 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
Houston ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.0) while Phoenix ranks 27th (4.0).
The Suns rank 11th in second chance points allowed per game (12.5) while the Rockets rank 25th (13.9).
Phoenix ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (44.3) while Houston ranks 25th (46.6).
The Rockets rank ninth in steals per game (8.2) while the Suns rank 20th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
Phoenix averages 48.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. Houston ranks 25th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.5).
Over its last five contests, Houston is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 4.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 110.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
