Houston Rockets (25-33) vs. Phoenix Suns (34-24)
As the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns prepare to clash this Saturday, both teams are anticipating what promises to be an exhilarating matchup. While the Rockets look to enhance their record and solidify their standing against Phoenix Suns, this match-up has garnered significant fan and bettors’ attention, proving an ideal opportunity for wagers searching the best live betting website with real-time action and odds.
The Rockets enter this contest with the second-worst record in the West at 25-33. However, they possess one of the NBA’s top offenses, averaging 112.8 points per game. Houston shoots a respectable 45.8% from the field, though just 35% from 3-point range. They crash the offensive glass well and get to the free throw line often behind young standouts Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Sengun. However, the Rockets allow the most points in the league at 117 per game, unable to stop anyone defensively.
The Suns have found their stride after an inconsistent start, now 34-24 and third in the West. They score nearly 117 points each night on 49.6% shooting overall. Phoenix excels from the perimeter at 37.8% behind high-volume threats like Chris Paul, Devin Booker and new addition Kevin Durant. The Suns also boast a top-10 defense anchored by athletic big man Deandre Ayton, holding opponents to 110 points per contest. They possess excellent balance and depth on both ends.
Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns Game Info
| When: | Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Footprint Center |
| TV: | AZFamily |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Alperen Sengun (C) vs. Kevin Durant (PF)
Rockets center Alperen Sengun is averaging 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game in his sophomore season. The Turkish big man uses his 6’11” frame well to score efficiently inside, and has good court vision for a center. However, he struggles on the defensive end against quicker forwards and guards.
Suns power forward Kevin Durant remains elite in his 16th NBA season, putting up 28 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists nightly. His combination of size, shooting and playmaking makes him essentially unguardable. Durant is also still an instinctive team defender, averaging nearly 1 block and 1 steal per game. His one weakness has been turnovers, coughing it up 3.2 times a night.
When these two clash, rebounding and post defense will be key. If Sengun can hold his own on the boards and avoid racking up fouls, he can exploit his size advantage on offense. But Durant’s versatility scoring inside and out gives him an edge head-to-head. Sengun must also minimize errors against Durant’s quick hands on defense. In the end, Durant’s two-way impact and late-game poise should lead Phoenix to victory.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game have yet to be determined, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the matchup. Bettors should keep an eye on updates as the game approaches, considering the Suns’ stronger season performance and home-court advantage.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
The betting trends paint a bleak picture for Houston to cover as road underdogs here. Having covered just 9 times in their previous 27 away, the Rockets have burned bettors more often than not. Even during their hot start, Houston still lost against the spread in 8 of their initial 15 road games. With the Suns rolling at home, it’s hard to see the Rockets flipping this script.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
Conversely, Phoenix has rewarded bettors frequently at Footprint Center, covering 16 of 30. This includes a current 6-3-1 ATS run over their last 10. Furthermore, the Suns have covered five straight times hosting sub-.500 teams like the Rockets. Considering Houston’s road woes and defensive issues, Phoenix should extend those profitable home team trends.
Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns 3/2/24 Betting Picks
When analyzing this Western Conference showdown, significant edges go toward Phoenix. The Suns’ efficient scoring attack led by Durant pairs nicely with their stout defense. Moreover, the team plays their best basketball within the friendly confines of home. Houston has struggled mightily in opposing arenas despite its flashy offense.
In the end, the latest NBA picks suggest rolling with the Suns at home. Phoenix covers the reasonable spread behind another dominant performance from Durant. Sengun finds some success working against the Suns’ big men but fails to get enough consistent help for Houston to steal this road upset. Expect a wire-to-wire win for the Suns against the spread.
Free Pick and Prediction: Phoenix Suns 115, Houston Rockets 105
