Phoenix Suns v Houston Rockets – Odds, Lineups and Prediction

The Phoenix Suns will be seeking their fourth consecutive victory when they host the re-building Houston Rockets at Footprint Center on Sunday night.

Comprehensive, double-digit wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans have elevated the Suns to a 4-1 record. Conversely, the Rockets have shown some positive signs but are yet to turn that into consistent winning just yet at 1-5.

Despite entering as heavy favourites, the Phoenix Suns will need to be wary of a young, explosive and dangerous Houston Rockets team on Sunday.

Fanduel Sportsbook Odds

Phoenix Suns (-750), Houston Rockets (+530)

Spread: 12

Over/Under Total Points: 228.5

*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Expected Starting Lineups

Phoenix Suns: Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Bismack Biyombo

Houston Rockets: Kevin Porter Jr, Jalen Green, Jae’Sean Tate, Jabari Smith Jr. Alperun Sengun

Injury Report

Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder, Ish Wainright (out)

Houston Rockets:

Out: Darius Days, Bruno Fernando, Eric Gordon, Tyty Washington Jr.

Questionable: Jabari Smith Jr.

Key Matchup – Master and the Apprentice

Remember Tuesday’s battle between Devin Booker and Klay Thompson? That felt like a moment where the apprentice had well and truly taken the mantle of master, with the veteran visibly frustrated at the fact before finding himself ejected.

Fast-forward to this matchup and we could see a similar duel — six years separate Booker and Thompson, with the same age gap between the Suns maestro and the 20-year-old Jalen Green.

A talented scorer from all three levels, last year’s number two overall pick has made a fine start to his second season, averaging over 20 points per game on 37% three-point shooting. But after a quiet one against the Pelicans in which he registered just 16 points, Booker will be out to show Green still has a way to go in matching his dominance.

Prediction

Even with Ayton out, it’s difficult to see Phoenix falling at home to this Houston outfit. A potential loss would have to be attributed to a mental collapse, which in theory could be possible given the Suns are coming off a series of strong opponents. The Rockets do possess a lot of offensive talent that make them dangerous, but a lack of experience and defensive nohow should see the Suns tally a huge, match-winning score.

Final Score- Suns win 122-109