The Toronto Raptors (16-17) play host to the Houston Rockets (11-19) Friday. Tip-off at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., will be at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Rockets-Raptors odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Raptors enter off of back-to-back losses, including a 116-108 defeat at the Miami Heat Wednesday. Toronto had previously won four straight games.
The Rockets are riding a nine-game losing skid during a run that includes a pair of postponed games against the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers. They suffered a 112-96 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday.
Rockets at Raptors: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockets +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Raptors -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rockets +8.5 (-110) | Raptors -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Rockets at Raptors: Key injuries
Rockets
- C Christian Wood (ankle) out
Raptors
None affecting the betting odds.
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Rockets at Raptors: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Raptors 118, Rockets 107
Money line (ML)
The Raptors (-375) had won six of eight games prior to the mini two-game slide and are in an excellent spot to get back on track. They were slight underdogs in both of those losses against top Eastern Conference contenders in the Philadelphia 76ers and Heat.
Toronto has an implied win probability of 78.95% but is not worth the risk at the chalky price with such a small return on investment with a winning bet.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The RAPTORS -8.5 (-110) should be backed to win by at least 8 points.
The Rockets attempt 40.5 3-pointers per game to rank third in the NBA but they’re just 30th in 3-point percentage. That plays well into the hands of a Raptors team attempting 40.2 3-pointers per game but hitting at a sixth-ranked 38.3% clip, fueled by Gs Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, Norman Powell and SF OG Anunoby.
Additionally, the Rockets struggle with ball control and rank 24th with 14.8 turnovers per game. The Raptors force a league-high 16.5 turnovers per game with Toronto also first in opponent turnover percentage at 14.7%.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the OVER 221.5 (-115). The Rockets have given up 112 or more points in five straight games and are still without their best defender in Wood.
The Over is 5-1 in the Raptors’ last six games following a loss, as they lean on the offense to get them back on track.
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Also see:
- Kevin Porter Jr. records first triple-double of G League season (Rockets Wire)
- Rising Stars game will not be played All-Star weekend (Rookie Wire)
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