There’s just a little over two months before the 2015 NBA Playoffs, and the Phoenix Suns need to string together wins to keep their hold on the West’s final playoff spot. The Rockets aren’t in any immediate danger, but have to keep pace with the competitive Western Conference. Can the Suns hold off against the relentless offense of James Harden and the Rockets? Read on as we preview this exciting conference clash.
Looking for more high-flying hoops action? Check out our complete preview of the Kings vs. Bulls game also on Tuesday night.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns Preview
Where: U.S. Airways Center, Phoenix
When: Tuesday, February 9, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Houston Rockets
Fear the beard. James Harden was firing on all cylinders on Sunday night. He matched a season-high 45 points but could not lift Houston to a victory. Missing star center Dwight Howard proved too costly as the Rockets fell 109-98 against LaMarcus Aldridge and the Portland Trail Blazers.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Harden went 11-for-25 from the field (4-for-10 on three-point attempts) and converted 19-of-23 from the charity stripe. He currently leads the NBA in scoring (27.1 points per game) and 40-point games (five).
The Rockets’ high-octane scorer should have another big day at Phoenix. The Suns rank among the bottom three in scoring defense and are also in the bottom third in the league in personal fouls per defensive play (20 percent). This plays along to Harden’s strengths—scoring a bucket load of points as well as making a league-high 7.9 free throws per game.
The Rockets lead the league with 11.8 three-pointers made per game. Following their loss to Portland, the Rockets are 30-8 when they’ve made 10 or more three-pointers in a game.
The Rockets have a couple of locked-in sharpshooters to give Harden some support from the outside. Josh Smith has hit four threes in three of his past five games. Trevor Ariza has also been hot from downtown, shooting 50 percent in February. Phoenix has allowed opponents to shoot 37 percent on three-point attempts in its home games this season.
The Rockets are 4-0 SU/ATS in their last four games against Phoenix.
Betting on the Phoenix Suns
Isaiah Thomas made the most of a rare spot in the starting lineup. He led the Suns with 26 points on 8-of-17 shooting and 7-of-9 from the charity stripe. He also dished out five assists as Phoenix suffered an 85-83 loss to the struggling Sacramento Kings.
Thomas may see a return to the bench if Eric Bledsoe returns after missing the Sacramento game to attend the birth of his son. Bledsoe has been dominant over his past five games, averaging 18.4 points and 5.4 assists to lead the Suns. He’s been especially hot from downtown, shooting with a 62 percent clip.
Bledsoe should be a long-range threat against Houston. The Rockets are allowing opponents to shoot 35 percent from beyond the arc on the road. Bledsoe’s running mate, Goran Dragic, is also a threat from downtown. He’s shooting 43 percent from three in February, but he has not converted a three over his past two games against Houston.
The Suns can also keep Houston off-balance by pounding the ball inside and take advantage of Howard’s absence. The Rockets have been outscored in the paint 106-76 over the past two games. Leading the frontcourt charge would be Markieff Morris. He has averaged 12.5 points over two games against the Rockets this season.
Markieff’s twin brother, Marcus, has also proven that he can be dominant if given the chance. Marcus is just one game off setting season-highs of 34 points and 12 rebounds against Utah on Friday. Expect both Morris brothers to shine with Houston’s Howard still missing in action.
The Suns are 3-1 ATS over their last four road games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Suns break their losing streak to Houston. Take Phoenix to win and cover in a closely-contested game. There’s going to be highly-entertaining games from here on out. Create a betting account now as the NBA goes into overdrive.
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