The Phoenix Suns continue to defy expectations this season, and they’ll look to stay hot when they visit the Houston Rockets tonight.
Phoenix toppled the Oklahoma City Thunder last night to put an exclamation point on an impressive run, and my Suns vs Rockets predictions expect Houston to amp up Jabari Smith Jr.’s touches to keep the visitors at bay.
Read on for my free NBA picks and betting tips for this January 5 clash.
Suns vs Rockets prediction
Suns vs Rockets best bet: Jabari Smith Jr. Over 22.5 points+rebounds (-110)
With Alperen Sengun out and Steven Adams listed as questionable, what a luxury the Houston Rockets have in Jabari Smith Jr. to stabilize the frontcourt.
His versatility allows him to guard just about anyone, but at 6-foot-11, he’ll surely be asked to do more work in the paint as Houston tweaks its game plan.
That makes Smith Jr. a natural prop target tonight against the Phoenix Suns, as he’s gone past this combo number in eight of his last 12 outings.
While Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson draw bigger headlines, Smith Jr. is quietly on pace for a career-high with 15.5 points per game, and he’s grabbed at least seven rebounds in four of his past five contests.
If the Rockets are going to hit back after a surprise loss in Dallas at the weekend, they’re going to need Smith Jr. to embrace the extra responsibility.
He logged a 17-7 stat line in the team’s first meeting this season — so the blueprint is there — and his size will be critical here to contain a Phoenix squad that outrebounded the Thunder 49-29 yesterday.
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Suns vs Rockets same-game parlay
Though the Suns are on the second night of a back-to-back set, I’m trusting in their stellar record against the spread this season.
The visitors are 23-11-1 ATS, and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. The Rockets have won the past six meetings between these teams, but Sengun’s absence is a big blow to their offense.
Dillon Brooks has hauled in at least three boards in five of his last six outings, and Phoenix is happy to lean into small-ball lineups.
Suns vs Rockets SGP
- Jabari Smith Jr. Over 22.5 points+rebounds
- Suns +8
- Dillon Brooks Over 2.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dimes for Durant
The Durant points prop has ballooned, so I’m shifting to his assists tally instead. Even with Brooks shadowing him, there should be more possessions where KD is running the offense, and he’s already racked up seven or more assists in four of his last five contests.
Suns vs Rockets SGP
- Jabari Smith Jr. Over 22.5 points+rebounds
- Suns +8
- Dillon Brooks Over 2.5 rebounds
- Kevin Durant Over 5.5 assists
Suns vs Rockets odds
- Spread: Suns +8 | Rockets -8
- Moneyline: Suns +260 | Rockets -320
- Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222
Suns vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Suns are 6-1 SU in their last seven games. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Rockets.
How to watch Suns vs Rockets
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | KTVK, SCHN |
Suns vs Rockets latest injuries
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