Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview

Date & time: Thursday, February 4, 9:00 PM

Venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena (Phoenix, Arizona)

Head to head record

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets 129-135 (2015/2016 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns 108-89 (2015 Las Vegas Summer League)
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns 102-117 (2014/2015 NBA)
Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets 118-127 (2014/2015 NBA)
Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets 111-113 (2014/2015 NBA)

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets prediction

Talking Stick Resort Arena will host Thursday’s game between Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. Suns aim to put an end to their five-game losing run and it remains to be seen if they are capable of beating the Rockets, who head into the match following a 115-102 victory over Miami Heat.

Poor form

Phoenix Suns are running down a blind alley. Earl Watson’s men are on a five-match losing run at the moment and it has to be noted that they recorded ten wins fewer than the Portland Trail Blazers, who sit in eighth place in the Western Conference. As a result, Suns are unlikely to book their place in the NBA play-offs, but their pride will be at stake in Thursday’s match against Houston Rockets. Toronto Raptors spoiled Earl Watson’s coaching debut on Tuesday evening, but it has to be noted that rookie Devin Booker scored his career high 27 points. Unlike in previous years, Phoenix have been struggling at their Talking Stick Resort Arena this season and you should bear in mind that they recorded just two wins in previous ten home matches. Suns suffered a 129-135 loss to Rockets earlier this season and, no doubt, they will give their best to get their revenge on James Harden and Co on Thursday night.

Brandon Knight misses the match with a groin injury. Ronnie Price and TJ Warren remain in the recovery room, but coach Earl Watson has no fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Houston.

Signs of improvement

Thanks to a 115-102 win over Miami Heat Houston, Rockets put an end to their three-game losing run and they will be looking to build on that performance when they square off against Phoenix Suns on Thursday. J.B. Bickerstaff’s men are eager to strengthen their grip on a place in the Western Conference play-offs, meaning that the game against Suns is of big importance for the visitors. James Harden led Rockets to the impressive triumph over Heat on Tuesday and the team’s top scorer is likely to pose a big threat for Suns in the Talking Stick Resort Arena. Houston Rockets were beaten by San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in previous two away games in NBA, but they will not have such a big fish to fry against Phoenix. Rockets are averaging 105.3 points this season, but you should know that they conceded 100+ points in each of their last six matches.

Dwight Howard returns from suspension, while Clint Capela misses the game with injury. Donatas Motiejunas did not play against Miami Heat (coach decision), but he could play some part against Suns.

Interesting Facts

• Phoenix scored 100- points in each of their last four NBA games
• Suns suffered seven defeats in previous eight meetings with Houston
• Phoenix are averaging 100.5 points this season
• Houston scored 345 points in total in previous three matches
• Terrence Jones led Rockets to a 135-129 win over Suns earlier this season
• Rockets are eyeing their eleventh away win of the season

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets betting pick

Phoenix Suns have little to play for in Thursday’s match against Houston Rockets. Suns are unlikely to make it to the play-offs and taking into account that Rockets are fighting hard to clinch their place in the top eight in the Western Conference, I am tempted to put my money on the visitors. Dwight Howard returns into contention and he is bound to help Houston Rockets improve their game.

Pick: Houston Rockets -8

Odds: -110