Following a loaded eight-game Sunday slate, the NBA returns with a whopping 10 contests for fans to tune into on Monday. The work week kicks off with a featured game between two Western Conference playoff hopefuls, the Rockets and Suns.
Monday’s bout (9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock) sees new-look Houston take on a Phoenix club that’s faring better than expected in something of a reset year. With both sides currently avoiding play-in territory early in the season, this game carries plenty of importance.
Below, we’ll break down a Rockets vs. Suns prediction and picks to consider for Monday night’s game. Use PrizePicks NBA to make player picks and win money if you’re right.
Rockets vs. Suns Prediction, Preview for Monday, 11/24
There’s plenty of history between these two teams. Entering Monday, they’ve clashed 233 times on the hardwood, with the Suns owning a narrow 118-115 series advantage. With the Rockets boasting a four-game winning streak, however, perhaps the tides are turning.
As far as injuries are concerned, neither team comes into the week fully available. Houston will be without superstar F Kevin Durant due to personal reasons, as well as PG Fred Van Vleet (ACL), F Tari Eason (oblique), and F Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle). C Steven Adams (ankle) is questionable.
On Phoenix’s side, SG Grayson Allen (quad) and SG Jalen Green (hamstring) are both out, as are F Ryan Dunn (wrist) and PF Rasheer Fleming (ankle).
Houston Rockets Preview vs. Suns
Last year marked the Rockets’ first trip to the postseason since the 2019 campaign. The franchise won 52 games during the regular season, ultimately losing 4-3 to the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
With Durant acquired and some internal growth of prospects taking place, Houston is off to a 10-4 start in 2025. They’re 10-2 since dropping their first two outings.
Despite ranking dead last in 3-point attempts per game at 30.3, Houston’s offense is third in scoring (122.9 PPG) and second in average scoring margin (+10.4).
The Rockets’ same defensive prowess remains. They’re a top-five unit in scoring (112.5 PPG) and allow fewer defensive rebounds per game (26.4) than any club.
Phoenix Suns Preview vs. Rockets
Last season wasn’t kind to the Suns in Mike Budenholzer’s only year as their head coach. The team went 36-46, battling injuries and inconsistency en route to missing the play-in altogether.
Even after the departures of Durant and G Bradley Beal, Phoenix is thriving to kick off 2025. They’re 11-6 on the year, including 10-2 since a dreadful 1-4 start.
Led by star G Devin Booker, the Suns’ offense makes more 3-pointers per game (15.3) than all but four teams but sits 27th in paint scoring (25.3 PPG).
Phoenix’s defense also emphasizes the 3-ball, with its 12.1-make allowance being the sixth-lowest in the sport on a per-game basis. The Suns are sixth in opposing PPG (113.3), too.
Rockets vs. Suns NBA Picks, Stats for PrizePicks Today
Here are three top Rockets vs. Suns picks to target on Monday. Key PrizePicks player projections are headlined by C Alperen Sengun, G-F Amen Thompson, and G Collin Gillespie.
Rockets C Alperen Sengun vs. Suns Projection: 41.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- Sengun averages exactly 40 combined points, rebounds, and assists this season. He’s exceeded that mark in three of his last four outings.
- A vastly improved 3-point shot has Sengun scoring at a career-best clip. On a personal best 2.8 attempts per game, he’s canning a scorching 43.6% of those tries.
- Among all players with more than five games this year, Sengun ranks 14th in rebound chances per game at 16.9. If Adams can’t play, that’d potentially help even more.
- Per databallr, Sengun’s 24.5% on-ball rate and 16.3 potential assists per 100 both rank in the 99th percentile.
Rockets G-F Amen Thompson vs. Suns Projection: 26.5 Pts + Rebs
- Thompson averages 23.6 points and rebounds this year. He’s recorded 7+ rebounds in each of his last three outings (and six of his last eight).
- However you classify Thompson, the Suns may be a favorable matchup for him. Phoenix allows the 10th-most PPG to SGs (22.82) and the 15th-most to SFs (23.42).
- Via NBARAPM, Thompson’s self-rebounding rate (5.9) is an 85th-percentile figure.
- Without Durant, Thompson could rise up the proverbial food chain in Houston. He’s played 38, 40, and 43 minutes in his last three games and might be in for another heavy-workload night.
Suns G Collin Gillespie vs. Rockets Projection: 19.5 Pts + Asts
- Gillespie is making the most of his newfound role in the Valley. He’s scored in double figures in each of his last five games.
- Dating back to Oct. 27’s overtime loss to the Jazz, Gillespie has reached 4+ assists in 13 of 14 outings.
- Gillespie’s 14.2 potential assists per 100 and 9.8 actual assists per 100 are both career-high marks.
- The third-year man owns a 95th-percentile 3-point rate (0.63, per NBARAPM).
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Stick around with the Playbook for continued NBA coverage and analysis all season.
