As a result, the team ranks sixth in the NBA in defensive rating and leads the league in steals per game, by a fairly wide margin. That’s a key stat going against a Rockets team that sits next-to-last in the NBA in turnover rate. Houston enters this matchup at just 2-9 straight up but is a respectable 6-5 ATS, so it's putting up more of a fight than its record indicates. That said, the Rockets might be overmatched in this game against the Raptors.
That’s a meager number considering he jacked up nearly 10 threes per game a season ago. But in his first two games back on the court with no Siakam, Steady Freddy has averaged 28. 5 points per game while shooting 47. 8% from 3-point range. Now, he’ll face a Rockets team that has a whole mess of problems when it comes to giving up buckets. Houston ranks 28th in the NBA in defensive rating, 21st in opponent 3-point percentage, and 20th in points allowed to opposing guards. With VanVleet going for 30 and 27 points in his first two games since returning from injury sans Siakam, he looks like a great bet to go Over this reasonable point total against the Rockets.
The Raps will return home to host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, where they will be 9-point NBA odds favorites. That’s the most chalk Toronto has seen this season. Can the Raptors cover the big number with All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam, or will the upstart Rockets prove too pesky? I break it all down and bring you my best bet in NBA picks and predictions Rockets vs. Raptors.
Rockets vs Raptors NBA Odds, Picks and Predictions TonightFred VanVleet has been shooting himself back into a rhythm with Pascal Siakam sidelined, and the Raptors' long-range gunner will have the green light again against a sad Rockets defense. See why our NBA picks like a big night from him. Last Updated: Nov 9, 2022 7:14 AM ET Read Time: 4 min Photo By - USA TODAY Sports The Toronto Raptors not only play an exciting brand of basketball, but they are coming through in a big way through their backers through the early part of this NBA season, going 8-3 against the spread through their first 11 games.
The offense is still trying to find itself with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. leading the way, but it's the defense that has really struggled. The Raptors' halfcourt offense isn’t great, but it could look better against the 28th-ranked Houston defense. And even without Siakam, the Raps still have VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. to lead the offense. The Raptors' depth and tenacity on defense should be enough to lead them to a win and cover on Wednesday night. Rockets vs Raptors Over/Under analysis The total for this NBA matchup hit the board at 223.
Rockets vs. Raptors Prediction and Odds for Wednesday
My best bet: Fred VanVleet Over 19. 5 points (-139 at PointsBet) Request your own bet Got an idea for a Rockets-Raptors bet that you really like? Try PointsBet's "Request Your Bet" feature — You name it, they'll price it. Request your bet now! Rockets vs Raptors spread analysis As noted, the Raptors opened as 9-point favorites for this matchup against the Rockets — the most points they have laid this season.
Rockets vs Raptors best odds Rockets vs Raptors picks and predictions The Raptors enter this game with this 6-5 record after splitting a home-and-home with the Chicago Bulls. That isn’t bad considering they had to navigate a gauntlet of an early-season schedule and now a groin strain to All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam that will keep him out at least two weeks. But while Siakam is out for the next little while, the Raptors are clearly happy to have a healthy Fred VanVleet back in the lineup after missing three games with a back injury. And the All-Star point guard has had no problem shouldering more of a scoring load in Pascal’s absence. Prior to his injury, VanVleet was attempting 11. 3 shots per game.
Rockets vs Raptors on November 9, 2022 - wikihoops.com
The previous high was when the Raps were 6. 5-point road chalk against the San Antonio Spurs last week. But that game was with Siakam. Can they do it without him? The short answer is yes. While Pascal is a huge part of what the Raptors do, this is a team through and through. The Raptors are well-coached, have depth, and most importantly, play an aggressive, intelligent style of defense. Toronto is a long and athletic team that can switch on anybody and does a great job of disrupting passing lanes.
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