Suns -5 (-105) x4
This is a big game for the Suns. They currently have two games in hand over the Jazz and three over both the Grizzlies and Rockets in competition for the 8th spot in the west. Their recent hot streak has been punctuated by big individual performances from several different players (both from among the starters and the bench), and a high level of overall intensity. The strong play by Gortat in the paint has been key in recent games, forcing the opposing defense to collect in the paint and giving the Suns perimeter shooters more open looks. Overall, the Suns are playing with more confidence right now than at any other point this season. I set this line at PHX -7.5.
The Rockets will be playing B2B, and have not been great in such situations this season (5-8 when playing their second game on the road with the wins against GSW, CLE, ATL, UTA, and NOH = Two terrible teams and 3 posers...). The factor that makes this game particularly appealing is that even though the Suns are a much more important game for the Rockets, due to their current ranking in the west, Houston just can't afford to take a night off and look past the Kings tonight. Both the Rockets and Kings play to a fast pace and Rick Adelman emphasizes high intensity for 48 minutes. I expect the Rockets to win tonight vs SAC, but it won't be a breeze for them.
Additionally, Kevin Martin is the Rockets best offensive player but has scored less points on average against the Suns than against any other team in the NBA (18 career games, 13.2 ppg). In short, I think the Suns are the better team here, and in the better position, making it a strong spot for them.
This is a big game for the Suns. They currently have two games in hand over the Jazz and three over both the Grizzlies and Rockets in competition for the 8th spot in the west. Their recent hot streak has been punctuated by big individual performances from several different players (both from among the starters and the bench), and a high level of overall intensity. The strong play by Gortat in the paint has been key in recent games, forcing the opposing defense to collect in the paint and giving the Suns perimeter shooters more open looks. Overall, the Suns are playing with more confidence right now than at any other point this season. I set this line at PHX -7.5.
The Rockets will be playing B2B, and have not been great in such situations this season (5-8 when playing their second game on the road with the wins against GSW, CLE, ATL, UTA, and NOH = Two terrible teams and 3 posers...). The factor that makes this game particularly appealing is that even though the Suns are a much more important game for the Rockets, due to their current ranking in the west, Houston just can't afford to take a night off and look past the Kings tonight. Both the Rockets and Kings play to a fast pace and Rick Adelman emphasizes high intensity for 48 minutes. I expect the Rockets to win tonight vs SAC, but it won't be a breeze for them.
Additionally, Kevin Martin is the Rockets best offensive player but has scored less points on average against the Suns than against any other team in the NBA (18 career games, 13.2 ppg). In short, I think the Suns are the better team here, and in the better position, making it a strong spot for them.