The Houston Rockets (61-14) meet the Phoenix Suns (19-57) at Toyota Center. The Rockets have won 10 games in a row, while the Suns have lost their last 13 games. The game can be seen on ATTSN Southwest at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 30, 2018.
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Free Prediction
The Suns are trying to rebound after their 111-99 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game. Los Angeles’ 26.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Phoenix, who had a rate of 18.4. The Clippers’ mark was above their season average of 23.1, while the Suns’ was below the 23.9 mark opponents have averaged against Los Angeles this season. Phoenix’s Marquese Chriss played well, contributing 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The last time the Rockets played, they won big over the Chicago Bulls, 118-86. The Rockets forced 18 turnovers, while the Bulls had a free throw rate of 0.112 (below their season average of 0.166). Eric Gordon was the top scorer from either team with 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting.
The prolific offense of Houston (first in the league with an offensive efficiency of 113.8) will clash against the porous defense of Phoenix (30th in the league with a defensive efficiency of 111.3). The Rockets should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Phoenix heads into the contest with records of 19-57 straight up (SU) and 33-41-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Suns’ 76 games, 39 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Houston owns records of 61-14 SU and 40-33-2 ATS. Much like Phoenix, just over half of Rockets games have finished under the projected point total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Josh Jackson (21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.0 steals) has been fantastic for the Suns while Gordon (17.2 points) has contributed greatly to the Rockets.
The Rockets have won all three contests against the Suns this season, including an 11-point victory the last time these teams met. Houston was unable to cover as a 15-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 215 points, which was 10.5 points below the projected point total of 225.5 points. One of Houston’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 49 free throw attempts, while Phoenix had just 26. Devin Booker finished with 31 points and 10 assists.
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Phoenix is 20-17-1 ATS on the road with 20 unders, 17 overs and 1 push.
At home, Houston is 16-20-1 ATS with 19 unders and 18 overs.
Phoenix is 6-2 when they allow less than 100 points, while Houston is 30-2.
The Suns are 15-32 when they reach the century mark, while the Rockets are 59-11.
Houston ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while Phoenix ranks 28th (46.1).
The Rockets average 8.6 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. The Suns rank 28th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
Houston ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while Phoenix ranks 28th (6.0).
The Rockets average 17.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Suns rank 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.9).
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (42.5) while Phoenix ranks 20th (27.8).
The Suns rank 11th in points in the paint per game (45.9) while the Rockets rank 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.4).
Houston ranks 14th in fast break points allowed per game (11.6) while Phoenix ranks 28th (14.7).
The Rockets rank 24th in assists per game (21.8) while the Suns rank 29th (21.0).
Phoenix averages 13.2 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Houston ranks 12th in second chance points allowed per game (12.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 5 unders.
Houston is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 9.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 113.0 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 96.6 points per game (7.6 below their season average).
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