Houston @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 10, 2019 ) Houston 118, Toronto 111

James Harden has scored a whopping 110 points over the past two games and the Houston star looks for another high-octane effort when the Rockets visit the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. Harden recorded his fourth career 60-point outing against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and followed up with 50 during Tuesday's 135-133 double-overtime loss to the host San Antonio Spurs.

Harden's 21st career game with 50 or more points didn't result in a victory as Houston blew a 22-point, second-half lead while succumbing to the Spurs. Harden made all 24 of his free-throw attempts against San Antonio but struggled from the field as he was 11-of-38 overall, including 4-of-20 from 3-point range. Toronto suffered its first home loss of the season in 10 contests on Tuesday when it fell 121-110 in overtime to the Miami Heat. Reserve swingman Norman Powell scored 23 points for the Raptors and is averaging 23.7 points over the past three games.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), TSN (Toronto)

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (13-7): Harden is averaging 42.6 points over the past five games to raise his season mark to 39.5 as he continues a sensational start to the campaign. Point guard Russell Westbrook has adapted to a complementary role but fired up a season-high 30 shots against the Spurs -- making only seven -- while compiling 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his 142nd career triple-double. Center Clint Capela returned from a two-game absence due to illness and made all nine field-goal attempts while recording 22 points and 21 rebounds for his third 20-20 outing of the campaign.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (15-5): Point guard Kyle Lowry returned Tuesday after missing 11 games with a fractured left thumb but had just 12 points on 2-of-18 shooting while missing all 11 3-point attempts. The five-time All-Star did record 11 assists with only one turnover but he made it clear afterward that his shooting performance was unacceptable. "That was terrible," Lowry told reporters of the rusty showing. "I'm sure I'll be better next game. It's nothing to be concerned or worried about."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Harden averaged 35 points as the Rockets on both of last season's meetings.

2. Toronto G Fred VanVleet scored 19 points against the Heat and is averaging 21.5 points over the past 10 contests.

3. Houston SF Danuel House Jr. (illness) has missed the past two games.

PREDICTION: Raptors 122, Rockets 117