Toronto Raptors at Houston Rockets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Houston Rockets will look to get back on track when they host the Toronto Raptors tonight. The Rockets had their five game winning streak snapped on Wednesday, as they fell 125-119 at home against the Heat. The Raptors on the other hand ended a three game losing streak with a 84-76 win at Dallas. The Rockets will be looking to even the season series, after losing at Toronto 106-96 back on Nov.19. Looking at the spreads for tonight’s game, the oddsmakers aren’t giving Toronto much of a chance in this one, as the Rockets come in favored by 9-points over the Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors have been hit hard with injuries lately, as they didn’t even bring along, Andrea Bargnani, Peja Stojakovic, or Reggie Evans. Sonny Weems, Jose Calderon, and Leandro Barbosa are all listed as day-to-day, while Amir Johnson and Leandro Barbosa likely will come down to a game-time decision.
Depending on who all can play, the Raptors figure to be pretty short-handed for the game against the Rockets tonight. Against the Rockets earlier this season, Bargnani had 26 points, Weems had 13, and Calderon and Johnson each had 10 points a piece.
In the Raptors most recent win over the Mavericks, rookie Ed Davis had his best game with 17 points and 12 rebounds, While Linas Kleiza and DeMar DeRozan each had 16 points.
The Rockets are playing much better basketball than they were when they first faced the Raptors earlier this season, and while they didn’t come away with a win against the Heat, they have to happy with the way they played against one of the leagues best teams.
All five starters scored in double-figures for the Rockets in the previous matchup with the Raptors, led by 31 points from Kevin Martin. The problem was the Rockets bench was outscored 46-11.
That was not the case against the Heat, as the Rockets reserves scored 47 points, thanks to Aaron Brooks, who had his best game since returning from injury with 20 points to go along with nine assists in just 20 minutes of action. Luis Scola led the Rockets with 22 points, while Kevin Martin added 21.
Houston had won eight straight at home before falling to the Heat, including six wins by at least 10 points. Toronto is just 4-11 on the road, and would have likely lost at the Mavericks had Dallas had Dirk Nowitzki in the lineup. With all the injuries the Raptors are dealing with right now, I think your best bet is to lay the 9-points and bet the Rockets.
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