Houston Rockets vs Toronto Raptors Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 02/02/2024, 05:10  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 02/02/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Toronto Raptors head to the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 22-25 and 11th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 17-30 and 12th in the Eastern Conference. 

The Toronto Raptors have faced a tough stretch, losing nine of their last 11 games, but they secured a much-needed boost by halting a five-game slide with a 118-107 road victory over the Bulls on Tuesday. Gary Trent Jr led the charge with 24 points on nine of 15 shooting, and Bruce Brown added 19 points. Toronto ranks 18th in the NBA for offense, averaging 114.5 points per game, while Houston boasts the 10th-ranked defense, allowing 112.5 points. The Raptors maintain a respectable 48.0% shooting from the field. Defensively, Toronto struggles, permitting 116.6 points per game (17th in the NBA), and faces challenges with opponent field goal percentage, allowing 48.6% (22nd). Markquis Nowell, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl are all doubtful for upcoming games.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have been struggling with a record of seven losses in their last ten games, and they will aim to recover after a tough 110-99 defeat to the Pelicans on Wednesday. Jalen Green led the charge with 31 points on 11 of 20 shooting, while Cam Whitmore contributed 17 points off the bench. The Rockets currently stand as the 21st-ranked scoring team in the NBA, averaging 113.4 points per game, while the Raptors hold the 17th spot in points allowed per game (116.6) in the league. Defensively, the Rockets exhibit strength, allowing 112.5 points per game (10th) and boasting excellent field goal defense, limiting opponents to a shooting percentage of just 45.9% (fifth). Tari Eason and Victor Oladipo may be sidelined for this match due to injury.