Toronto Raptors vs Houston Rockets: Electric Raptors clash against inexperienced Rockets

Hey, potential bettors, how are y’all doing? We are moving towards the NBA Playoffs and some of the betting scenarios will only become more complicated. But before that, we have some games remaining in the Regular Season and the Toronto Raptors will host the Houston Rockets. The Raptors have been a superb team for a couple of months or so while the Rockets have been among the lowest-ranked teams.

Teams’ Current Forms

Raptors will be tough to tackle in the Playoffs

The Raptors have won 13 of their last 16 games because they jumped from the seventh/eighth place to sealing the fifth place. This incredible play has been largely propelled by the team’s incredible defense and the terrific play of Power Forward Pascal Siakam. The defense is strong because all the starters are superb defenders, i.e. Gary Trent, Fred Van Vleet, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and Precious Achiuwa. Meanwhile, Chris Boucher is one of the best perimeter defenders at the Center position and his energy has been huge.

The Raptors have scrapped a bunch of rebounds these days, slowing down the pace of the oppositions and they have athletic and lengthy players all around. Their pressure defense will be huge in the Playoffs. The team is likely to face the 76ers, a team that lacks a similar defensive depth and can face huge troubles against the superb team defense. Pascal Siakam has been having a season of his life and he has been a terrific performer during the Postseason in the past.

Rockets are in full rebuild mode

The Rockets are staring at another below 30% win season and this one has been another painful ride. There is a lot of work to be done, the squad has to be the worst defensive team compared to the other rebuilding teams like the Pistons, Magic, and Thunder. The team was handed blowout losses in bunches and was unable to get any big run except a seven-game winning run earlier in the season. The squad may get as many as two draft picks in the offseason.

The saving grace has been the offensive play of Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green. Green has made a case for the Rookie of the Year Award and he has shown that he can be one of the best scorers in the league. The backcourt can work in the long-term considering Porter Jr. can become an elite playmaker but both of these players have their work cut out defensively. One other impressive player has been rookie Center Alperen Sengun, someone who can be an all-around threat.

Injuries

• Raptors: Yuta Watanabe, OG Anunoby, and Fred Van Vleet are likely going to be OUT;
• Rockets: Dennis Schroeder, Christian Wood, and Eric Gordon are OUT.

Player Props Predictions

Assuming they are available, below are my player-based props predictions:

• I see Pascal Siakam grabbing at least 10 rebounds;
• I believe Jalen Green will be held below 25 points;
• I see Scottie Barnes scoring at least 19 points;
• I see Kevin Porter Jr.dishing at least 8 assists;
• I believe Chris Boucher will score at least 13 points.

Expert Betting Tips

Points Range: The Raptors have improved their offensive production on their home floor and they have been able to get it done even against tough defenses. Talking about defense, they are one of the best defensive teams right now and they will fancy a deep Playoffs run keeping that in cognizance. The Rockets are outmatched on both ends of the floor and they will have multiple problems finding spark here. Jalen Green can find it tough to score against the pressure defense of Gary Trent but Kevin Porter Jr. has been playing much better on the scoring end. I believe the total points range here is 220-230.

Prediction: The Rockets have lost five in a row and they will run into a game that is on fire for all of the season. This is also a great opportunity for the Rockets’ young guns to gain some much-needed experience against a team that will test them. I see the Raptors coming up with a strong game and closing this out with a 124:106 win.

Betting Odds

• Half Props: Alternative 1st Half Spread: TOR Raptors -8.5 for 2.00;
• Total 2 Over 108.5 for 1.90;
• European Handicap: 0:13 W1 for 2.18;