- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: March 12, 2025
- Who: Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Toyota Center (Houston, TX)
The Phoenix Suns (30-35) will play the Houston Rockets (40-25) in the NBA tonight. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and will be streamed live on NBA League Pass.
The Rockets are favored by 4.5 points against the Suns (Rockets -4.5), with the total points over/under set at 227.5. Houston is listed as a -200 favorite to win, while Phoenix is positioned at +165 for the upset.
The Suns are hoping to avoid their second straight loss to the Rockets.
Phoenix
The Phoenix Suns secured a crucial win on Sunday afternoon in Dallas but followed it up with a challenging 120-118 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies. Kevin Durant led the team with 35 points, while Devin Booker contributed 26.
The Suns jumped out to a 25-9 lead, but it vanished before halftime. The fourth quarter remained tight, and Durant missed a chance at a game-winning 3-pointer just before the final buzzer.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal was out due to management of a left calf injury. Booker has now scored at least 24 points in each of his last three games.
Wrapping up the road trip tonight ☄️
???? @HoustonRockets
???? 5PM
???? @azfamily | Pregame at 4:30PM
???? @AZSports | @az_mejor
???? https://t.co/NW4LPYzvbn pic.twitter.com/sIF8hzWgaD— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 12, 2025
Rim protection has been a significant concern for the Suns, but it wasn’t as impactful against a Mavericks team missing key players. They fared better against the Grizzlies, thanks to improved 3-point shooting.
Mason Plumlee had a solid performance, but they may struggle to generate similar offense against the Rockets.
Phoenix is working to climb up to the 10th position in the Western Conference to qualify for the play-in tournament, entering this game 1.5 games behind the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks for the final playoff spot.
Houston
The shorthanded Rockets delivered a solid performance at home on Monday night, defeating the Orlando Magic 97-84. Jabari Smith Jr. led the charge with 20 points, matching his career high with five 3-pointers.
Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Steven Adams added 11 points and grabbed 17 boards.
Despite the absence of starters Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet due to ankle injuries, Houston utilized a well-rounded scoring effort.
???? Back in H-Town tonight
⏰ 7:00pm Tip-Off
???? @SpaceCityHN
???? @SportsTalk790 / En Español 93.3 FM TUDN
???? Live updates on Rockets App pic.twitter.com/SfvPwg1uMv— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 12, 2025
With three minutes remaining, Dillon Brooks and Sengun each knocked down a three-pointer, extending the Rockets’ lead to 95-77. Houston drained 16 3-pointers in total, surpassing Orlando’s eight.
In the first of several games without Thompson, Smith Jr. returned to the starting lineup—potentially solidifying his role for the coming days. He enjoyed his highest-scoring game since December and matched his season record for three-pointers.
Even in a low-scoring contest, Smith Jr. made a noticeable offensive impact, which is a positive sign.
Fred VanVleet’s status for the next game remains uncertain after missing the previous matchup, while Thompson will be sidelined for at least a week.
Suns-Rockets Best Bet
Phoenix has been quite disappointing this season and must improve significantly to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. The Suns missed the opportunity to acquire Jimmy Butler, who joined Golden State, to strengthen their lineup.
Instead, they didn’t make any impactful moves, and the lack of changes has hurt the team.
On the other hand, Houston has been performing exceptionally well this season and is expected to welcome back VanVleet, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.
The Rockets have been strong at home and are riding a wave of momentum. The Suns lost the first matchup to the Rockets 119-111 earlier this season.
It’s wise to pick the against the Suns in this one, the Rockets are just the better team.
Best Bet: Rockets -4.5 Points at -115 odds
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
