Only the Lakers have a better record in the West right now, but the Rockets can tie them with a win on Saturday against the Suns. That in itself is enough motivation for Ime Udoka’s men, but there’s also the fact that Kevin Durant is returning to Phoenix to play his old team and you just know he’ll be extra motivated to get one over them. On paper the Rockets are superior in almost every significant statistical category, this is just a complete team right now and despite their recent loss to Minnesota I believe bettors shouldn’t be discouraged ahead of Saturday’s game. Houston has won 8 games in a row against the Suns, sweeping the last two regular season series. Four of the last five wins we all by double-digits as well.
Devin Booker and co. will be encouraged by their win on Thursday over the Magic, only their 2nd of the season in 7 attempts. A hot shooting night from the perimeter won them the game, but we should still point out the dominance of the Magic on the glass as they grabbed 15 more rebounds in that game. That sounds troublesome to me ahead of a game against one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA this season. Phoenix allows 57.9 rebs a night, in their last 3 games that’s increased to 59.3. The only way they can stay competitive here is if they once again get hot from the perimeter, but how realistic is that? This team ranks only 13th in three-point accuracy, connecting on 36% of threes this season.
Winning by 8 points on the road is never easy, but these Rockets have looked extremely good so far on the season. I just don’t see how the Suns counter Sengun down low and Durant in the mid-range. Amen Thompson should solve the Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks issues with his lockdown defense, I think the Rockets have the winning formula here. Back them to bounce back in a big way.
Rockets vs Suns Predictions: Rockets -6.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
