Phoenix Suns (14-14) vs Houston Rockets (15-12)
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets 12/27/23 – The Phoenix Suns take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in an interconference showdown. With premium tips and predictions, we’ll break down the key stats, trends, and analysis to find betting value. Houston enters having won two of its last five games straight up but they still sit at just 2-3 ATS over that same sample. The Rockets are 6-6 versus the number at home while cashing over tickets in three of their previous five matchups.
The Suns’ recent slide indicates a team struggling to find its footing, especially against the number. Phoenix is averaging 114.5 points per game but allows the fourth-most points in the NBA. The Suns excel on the glass, ranking top five in rebounds per game. However, they commit the sixth-most turnovers. Their inconsistent defense and sloppy offensive execution have hindered their ATS performance.
Houston’s middling 15-12 record hides a team performing well against market expectations. The Rockets score 111.6 points per contest behind an offense generating the eight-most dimes per game. Their rebounding prowess helps secure extra possessions. Houston also plays at the league’s fastest pace. Still, questionable defense paired with below-average shooting efficiency caps their ceiling
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets 12/27/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Toyota Center |
| TV: | Space City Home Network |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Kevin Durant (PF) vs. Alperen Sengun (C)
Kevin Durant has excelled during his first season with Phoenix, averaging 30.9 points per game with 6.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists – an outstanding effort considering his versatile scoring ability and size on the wing. KD poses matchup difficulties as he can shoot over smaller defenders or blow past bigger men off-dribble while providing high level facilitation at his current 38% three-point clip! Unfortunately he’s also been plagued with injuries this year which can limit how often isolations he plays.
Alperen Sengun has broken out for the Rockets, averaging 20.4 points, 9.2 boards, and 5.2 assists per contest. He uses crafty footwork and court vision to anchor Houston’s offense. Sengun has soft touch on his shot inside and the handles to attack off the bounce. Additionally, he crashes the offensive glass well, providing extra possessions. Still, the young center can get into foul trouble often and is undersized defensively.
When these two stars match up, expect Durant to pull Sengun out to the perimeter while Houston attacks KD down low. If Sengun can score efficiently in the post without drawing whistles, the Rockets will be in good shape. But if Durant has his jumper working, his versatile scoring arsenal could prove too much to handle.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As this game’s betting odds and point spreads have yet to be released, they are currently unknown. Given both teams’ current form and standings, however, it should be an extremely closely contested contest, which should reflect in its odds.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
The Suns failing to cover in five straight games indicates the books have not quite caught up with their recent slide. Phoenix is just 1-4 straight up in its last five contests as well. However, the Suns have been solid on the road at 14-8 straight up and 13-9 against the spread outside of Arizona so far.
Rockets Betting Trends
Conversely, Houston has split its last 10 games straight up and against the number. The Rockets also sport a losing 10-9 record both SU and ATS at Toyota Center this season. The over has hit in four of the team’s previous seven home contests.
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets 12/27/23 Betting Picks
Given their contrasting recent forms and season-long trends, the Suns look like a strong play catching points on Wednesday night. Phoenix has generally outperformed market expectations, especially away from home, while Houston has struggled to consistently cover spreads. In a game featuring top NBA free predictions, look for Durant and the Suns to get back on track and cover the small spread as road underdogs.
Free Pick and Prediction: Phoenix Suns 110, Houston Rockets 107