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NBA TOP PICK 2026-01-05 · Evening Edition LOSS

Suns vs. Rockets

Suns vs. Rockets: O/U 221.5 Over
52%
Entry Price
$122K
Volume
8:00 PM ET
Game Time (ET)
-0.53u
P&L

ANALYSIS

Our projection of 229 is bolstered by Houston's elite 120.0 PPG scoring average and Kevin Durant's explosive form (34 points last outing) against his former squad. With the Suns playing the second leg of a back-to-back following an emotional buzzer-beater win and Houston missing defensive anchor Alperen Sengün (ankle), we expect a high-possession shootout that easily clears the undervalued 221.5 total.
Key Data
Pace Factor: 102.4, Offensive Rating: 118.5, Projected Total: 229

OUTCOME

Suns 97 - Rockets 100
Both teams pushed the pace early, resulting in 65 total first-quarter points. The Suns' high turnover rate (18) led to 24 Houston transition points, maintaining a high scoring floor despite Phoenix shooting poorly from deep (28%).

FULL BREAKDOWN

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Full analysis and discussion of this pick in the 2026-01-05 evening edition.