Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors Prediction, NBA Odds
The Toronto Raptors return home on Wednesday looking to halt a three-game losing skid as they host the Houston Rockets at Scotiabank Arena. Both clubs have just one win on the season, and their only victories came against Atlanta and Brooklyn (two teams currently sitting in the bottom tier of defensive efficiency). This makes the matchup a valuable early-season measuring stick as each side seeks identity and consistency.
The Rockets arrive led by newly acquired star Kevin Durant, while the Raptors lean heavily on franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes and scoring threats RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram. Wednesday’s clash has real implications for momentum before the schedule intensifies.
Houston is a 5.5-point favourite to win on the NBA odds, with the total set at 233.5.
Rockets vs. Raptors NBA Betting Odds
Houston sits 2-1 against the spread while Toronto is just 1-3 ATS and struggling to maintain offensive rhythm after exploding for 138 points on opening night. The two teams are a combined 5-2 to the Over this season, so points should be common in this one.
The Rockets currently rank fourth in offensive efficiency and are top-three in free-throw rate, a major concern for a Raptors defence that ranks 29th in opponent free-throw rate. Pace will be a key contrast: Toronto is top-five in the NBA in pace of play, while Houston has been the slowest team in the NBA through three games.
Houston Rockets
Houston pushed the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to double overtime on opening night, falling 125-124 despite a monster 39-11-7 output from Alperen Sengun. Durant followed with 37 points against Detroit, but the Rockets still lost despite 48 free-throw attempts. Their breakthrough came Monday in a 137-109 blowout over the Nets, with all five starters scoring in double figures and 33 team assists (a huge leap from their isolation-heavy first two games).
The Rockets’ key weaknesses remain in paint defence and second-chance points allowed, areas where Sengun can’t solve everything alone. But when they rebound and run, as seen with 21 fast-break points vs. Brooklyn, this group can overwhelm quickly.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto’s season started with fireworks, but offensive connectivity has evaporated during this three-game skid. The Raptors were handled 121-103 in San Antonio on Monday, despite 25 points from RJ Barrett and a spark from rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (19 off the bench). The concern lies with stars: Barnes and Brandon Ingram combined for just 22 points in that loss, with Barnes limited to eight.
The Raptors actually won the paint battle versus the Spurs, but posted their fewest paint points of the season and were out-executed from beyond the arc. Defensive slippage is notable (Toronto is currently 22nd in defensive efficiency), and with Jakob Poeltl questionable due to a back issue, rim protection and rebounding responsibility will fall heavily on Barnes, who averages more than one offensive board per game.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Rockets vs. Raptors?
Despite being on the road, Houston enters as the more stable and efficient offence, with Sengun and Durant likely to dominate inside and at the line. The free-throw disparity could be a deciding factor, as Houston is among the best at drawing fouls, while Toronto struggles to defend without committing fouls.
Expect Barnes to respond aggressively, given Poeltl’s status in doubt, but unless the Raptors rediscover their ball movement and long-range consistency, Houston should control the interior and pace on their terms. I like Houston to win, but considering they are -5.5 (-115) on the road, I will bite on the Raptors to cover at home (+5.5, -105). I also like the game to go Over 232.5 (-115).
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