In the late window of Saturday’s seven-game NBA slate, the Houston Rockets will face the Phoenix Suns in a Western Conference clash.
This is their first matchup this season. Some headlines were made this offseason when Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia made critical comments about mistakes early in his tenure, which Kevin Durant took exception to and quickly clapped back at. There could be more fireworks on the court, and Dillon Brooks could certainly get involved.
Looking at the odds for Saturday’s matchup, the Rockets enter as 6.5-point road favorites with -264 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Suns are +217 to pull off the upset, with the game total set at 224.5 points.
Rockets vs. Suns Preview
The Houston Rockets are off to one of the most impressive starts to the season, entering with a 7-2 record and tied for the second seed in the West. Their pair of losses have come against the Mavericks and Timberwolves, while the Rockets have notched victories over the Mavs, Spurs, Hawks (twice), Bucks, Thunder, and Celtics to start the season. Houston is 7-2 against the spread, and the game total has gone over in six of its nine games so far.
Alperen Sengun leads the Rockets’ production, averaging 22.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. Kevin Durant adds 20.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, despite attempting a career-low 12.4 field goals per game, while Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson each continue on their developmental pathways. Fred VanVleet’s return from injury has provided much-needed perimeter playmaking, with the veteran averaging 13 points and 6.3 assists to start the season. Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, and Marcus Smart also play important roles on the roster. The injury report isn’t overly concerning for Houston on Saturday, but Clint Capela and Steven Adams will each be sidelined, limiting the Rockets’ interior options.
Ime Udoka’s squad is averaging 117.9 points per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Houston also ranks third in offensive rating, second in field-goal percentage, and second in three-point percentage. Defensively, opponents are scoring just 107.6 points per game against the Rockets, which is the sixth-best mark in the league. They also rank ninth in defensive rating, 16th in opponent field-goal percentage, and second in opponent three-point percentage allowed.
The Phoenix Suns are off to a 2-5 start to the season. Their pair of victories have come against the Warriors and Magic, while Phoenix has fallen short against the Trail Blazers (twice), the Thunder, the Nuggets, and the Warriors. Phoenix is 1-6 against the spread, and the game total has gone over in five of its seven games.
Devin Booker leads the team, averaging 25.4 points and 5.1 assists through his first seven games. Dillon Brooks adds 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, while Miles Bridges contributes 17.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Jalen Green is the only other player averaging double figures, while Luke Kennard, Collin Gillespie, Oso Ighodaro, and Khaman Maluach also play significant roles. Mark Williams will remain sidelined for Saturday’s game, while Jordan Goodwin is considered doubtful and Rasheer Fleming is questionable.
The Suns are averaging 113.9 points per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Phoenix also ranks 11th in offensive rating, eighth in team field-goal percentage, and 13th in three-point percentage. Defensively, Phoenix has struggled more. The Suns allow 121.4 points per game this season, ranking 26th in the NBA. They also rank 29th in defensive rating, 26th in opponent field-goal percentage, and 28th in opponent three-point percentage.
Rockets vs. Suns Pick, Best Bet
The Rockets have won eight straight games against the Suns and covered their last six road games against Phoenix. The Suns’ 2-5 start to the season and 1-6 record against the spread don’t inspire confidence, especially since Phoenix has lost each of its last nine games as an underdog dating back to last season.
Houston is the better team on both ends of the floor, and I expect them to show it in this matchup. The Rockets have succeeded with their defensive-minded identity over the past few seasons, but Fred VanVleet’s return has taken the offense to another level. Their team metrics also rank among the league’s best on the floor. Beyond his three-point shooting, the veteran’s playmaking has unlocked some of the younger players on the roster and improved the overall offensive approach.
The Rockets also last played on Wednesday, so they have a rest advantage in this road matchup. Even with his scoring numbers a bit below his sky-high standards, Durant remains a tone-setter for this Houston team, and his offseason comments make it clear he could carry an additional chip on his shoulder for this matchup. There are some bright spots on this Suns team, but the gap in talent and current form between these two teams feels well beyond the 6.5-point spread. Expect Houston to take full control and put forth another convincing win as it continues its strong start to the year.
Best Bet: Houston Rockets -6.5 (-108)
I’m also backing Kevin Durant to record over 21.5 points as one of my top player prop bets on DraftKings Network.
