The Toronto Raptors’ deadline deals mean the youth movement is going to be front and center the rest of the way, and those young guns have a tough task on their hands today against the Houston Rockets.
Houston is hungry to shake off a rough losing run, but my Raptors vs. Rockets predictions target two of Toronto’s future building blocks for eye-catching performances.
Read on for my NBA picks for this early February 9 tip.
Raptors vs Rockets prediction
My Raptors pick
Gradey Dick Over 13.5 points (-104 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors’ strong late-January form confirmed that Darko Rajakovic’s men are on the right path with this rebuild, but it looks like they’ll be prioritizing player development and lottery odds down the stretch of this season.
Gradey Dick will be one of the beneficiaries of that mindset, with more minutes in the starting backcourt and more opportunities to show that he’s more than just a shooter. That’s especially relevant after the Brandon Ingram trade this week which could shift Dick into a bench role next season.
The Raptors will be searching for scoring options this afternoon against the Houston Rockets, with R.J. Barrett still in the concussion protocol and Jakob Poeltl sidelined with a hip issue, and I see Dick answering the call with enough buckets to hit this Over.
His shooting becomes even more important with Toronto trading away a couple of reliable floor-spacers at the deadline, and he’s averaging 15.5 ppg so far in February, while making his 3-pointers at a 44% clip.
Though Houston has an army of relentless, long-armed defenders, that’s probably a bigger concern for Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley – and Dick should get good looks as a cutter and spot-up threat.
He was selective against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, taking just nine shots and draining five of them on the way to 17 points, but I expect more volume today. That includes maximizing his strengths in transition, with the Rockets a little less organized without point guard Fred VanVleet in the line-up.
Raptors vs Rockets same-game parlay
Gradey Dick Over 14.5 points
Ja’Kobe Walter Over 7.5 points
Rockets 9.5
I’m also banking on a solid outing from Ja’Kobe Walter, who dropped in 12 points against the Thunder, and the Toronto rookie figures to get more minutes in the final months of the season.
Walter has gone past this number in five straight games and should see at least 20 minutes again today. He certainly took a liking to this Rockets defense in the teams’ December meeting, finishing with 27 points on 9-for-18 shooting, including six triples.
Both teams have been impressive against the spread this year (Toronto is 30-21-1; Houston is 29-22-1), but I’m laying the points with the desperate Rockets here, even for the second game of a back-to-back set.
Though Houston’s six-game losing streak has been alarming, this is nice bounce-back spot given some of the inexperienced Toronto line-ups, and the hosts’ bench should be more productive after a no-show against Dallas yesterday.
The Raptors have dropped three in a row and will really feel Poeltl’s absence this afternoon. It’s appropriate on Super Bowl Sunday that the visitors will face a snarling, physical opponent – and picking Toronto here would amount to a Hail Mary.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada
Looking to bet on some Raptors action?
Sign up now at PointsBet, one of Canada's favourite books for new bettors!
19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Raptors vs Rockets odds
Raptors vs Rockets live odds
Raptors vs Rockets opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +9.5 | Houston -9.5
- Moneyline: Toronto +318 | Houston -407
- Over/Under: Over 223.5 | Under 223.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada.
Raptors vs Rockets spread and Over/Under analysis
- Houston gets the favourite tag based on a 15-8 record at Toyota Center this season and the slew of Toronto injuries.
- The Raptors have won five of the last seven meetings between these teams, but they’re just 4-20 on the road this year.
- Toronto has been held below the 110-point mark in its last two contests, yet the visitors have served up four straight Overs and they’ve allowed more than 120 points in four of their past five games.
- The 1H Under is 28-16 in the Raptors’ past 44 outings.
Raptors vs Rockets trend
The Over is 7-2 in the past nine matchups between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Rockets.
How to watch Raptors vs Rockets
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Sunday, 2-9-2025 |
| Tip-off | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN, SCHN |
Raptors vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
