The Houston Rockets (8-18, 5-5 Home) will try to slow down the NBA’s top scoring team when they play host to the Phoenix Suns (16-11, 4-8 Away) on Tuesday. Phoenix was defeated by the New Orleans Pelicans 129-124 in overtime at Smoothie King Center on Sunday, their fourth loss in a row.
Deandre Ayton led the way in the losing effort with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. The Suns are third in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind the New Orleans Pelicans.
Houston won their fourth in a row at home on Sunday at Toyota Center, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 97-92. Jalen Green had 30 points and seven rebounds to lead the team. The Rockets are the 15th seed in the Western Conference.
The teams are meeting for the final time this season. Phoenix and Houston have split their two matchups this season. The Rockets came out on top in the most recent meeting, beating the Suns 122-121 at Footprint Center on December 2.
Devin Booker topped all players in scoring with 41 points and eight assists in the loss. Green had 30 points for the Rockets, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 17 points. The Suns have been led this season by Booker, who is averaging 27.4 points per game, best in the NBA. Booker also has dished 5.8 assists per game, most in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Ayton is grabbing 9.4 rebounds. Green and Kevin Porter Jr. have supplied much of the Rockets’ offense, averaging 21.6 and 18.7 points per game, respectively. Green leads the league in scoring, while Porter Jr. is first. Porter Jr. also has recorded 5.8 assists per game, most in the league.
Alperen Sengun has posted 8.7 rebounds per game. With 116.1 points per game, the Suns are the most explosive offense in the league. The Suns have come up short in recent trips to Toyota Center, losing six of the last 10.
Phoenix is looking to avoid a fourth straight road loss this season.In the last 10 games, Phoenix is 5-5 with an average margin of +0.6 (117.9-117.3). For the season, the Suns are averaging 116.1 points per game, compared to 111.3 for opponents.
Houston has also split the last 10 (5-5), allowing 117.7 points per game on average while scoring only 114.0 (-3.7 margin).
SUNS HOT/COLD
(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Torrey Craig: 19.7 | 14.7 | +5.0
Devin Booker: 23.5 | 38.0 | -14.5
Points per game:
Deandre Ayton: 21.2 | 16.8 | +4.4
Devin Booker: 15.5 | 27.4 | -11.9
Rebounds per game:
Mikal Bridges: 3.8 | 5.1 | -1.3
SportsTips’ NBA Pick:
Phoenix Suns (-250)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
