Losing streaks are becoming the norm in this disjointed Toronto Raptors season, but a six-game skid still takes its toll and they’ll try to reverse course against the Houston Rockets tonight at Scotiabank Arena on TSN at 6 p.m. ET.
Houston has jumped out to an 18-9 start but feels overvalued in this spot, and my Rockets vs Raptors predictions call for Toronto to put up a real fight.
Check out my NBA picks for this December 22 showdown, including more playmaking magic from Scottie Barnes.
Raptors vs Rockets prediction
My Raptors pick
Raptors +8.5 (-115 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
With Scottie Barnes and R.J. Barrett revving up, the Toronto Raptors have two proven scorers capable of keeping games close — and I see that duo pushing the hosts toward a much-needed win here.
The Houston Rockets are 7-6 on the road and a line of 8.5 feels high given that uneven play. Instead, I’ll gladly take the points with a Toronto team that’s more competitive than its 7-21 record suggests.
The Raptors have covered the spread in 22 of their last 34 games and had some impressive moments before a second-half meltdown against the Brooklyn Nets last time out. Six of the hosts’ seven wins have come at home and, while an upset may not be on the cards, there’s reason to expect a solid effort, even without key center Jakob Poeltl manning the paint.
Though Toronto was run off the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have similarities with the Rockets’ tenacious wing defense, Houston doesn’t bring the same offensive fireworks.
Yes, the visitors poured in 133 points against the lowly New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, but they had been held below 100 points in three of their prior four outings — and the Raptors have some gritty perimeter defenders to throw at Jalen Green.
Fred VanVleet will also be dangerous as he makes another return to Scotiabank Arena, yet Toronto can counter with Gradey Dick’s impressive shotmaking and a steady mark of 111.7 ppg.
It’s been a tough month for the Raptors, but there are signs of progress under Darko Rajakovic amid all the injury disruption, and I expect this to be a tight contest.
Raptors vs Rockets same-game parlay
Raptors +8.5
Scottie Barnes Over 6.5 assists
Alperen Sengun Over 10.5 rebounds
Barnes was in a groove during his return to the court on Thursday, and he should be even sharper here. He finished with six assists that night, and I like the Over on tonight’s 6.5 O/U line given his huge role in the Toronto offense.
Barnes is averaging 7.3 assists this year with an even heavier playmaking burden, including a 14-dime effort against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this month. Until Immanuel Quickley returns from his elbow injury, Barnes will be the Raptors' No.1 ball-handler.
I’m also taking an Alperen Sengun prop for my SGP. He ranks in the Top 10 in the league as a rebounder (10.6 rpg) and has had 11 or more boards three times already this month. With Jabari Smith Jr. typically taking the perimeter assignments against stretch bigs, that leaves Sengun open around the rim.
With Toronto’s offense prone to droughts, he should have plenty of opportunities on the glass, particularly with Poeltl sidelined
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Rockets odds
Raptors vs Rockets live odds
Raptors vs Rockets opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +7 (-110) | Houston -7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Toronto +230 | Houston -280
- Over/Under: Over 223 (-110) | Under 223 (-110)
Raptors vs Rockets spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors have won five of the past six meetings between these teams, and they’re an impressive 18-9-1 ATS this year.
- Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last six games, including a 111-96 NBA Cup semifinal loss to the Thunder.
- The 4Q Over has been a winner in 20 of Toronto’s last 29 outings at Scotiabank Arena, so we could get a flurry of late points.
- The Under has hit in three of the Raptors’ last four contests and it’s 15-13 for the hosts this season.
Raptors vs Rockets trend
The Rockets have cashed in the 1H Under in 25 of their last 36 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Rockets.
How to watch Raptors vs Rockets
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-22-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Raptors vs Rockets latest injuries
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