The Toronto Raptors are in a heated race for the best record in the NBA. With it would come home court advantage throughout the playoffs, which would be a huge get in the team’s quest for the playoffs. The Raptors have a tough matchup coming up when they face off against the Houston Rockets.
Toronto has been the superior team this season but has to go on the road. The Rockets have played much better of late after a slow start to the year and are aiming to get a solid win here and continue their ascension in the Western Conference.
This is a showdown of two teams that believe they are talented enough to win the NBA championship, so there will be a lot of attention on this matchup in NBA wagering.
This NBA basketball game between the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets will be held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 25th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Raptors have a record of 36-13 on the year. Toronto has won three straight games and eight of its past 10. Toronto has gone 15-9 on the road this season and will aim to pick up another big one here.
The Rockets are 26-20 on the season. They have moved up to the No. 5 seed in the West based on a recent hot streak and have time to keep pushing toward the top. Houston was expected to be the chief contender to the Warriors and is hoping to eventually get to that point. The Rockets have been impressive at home this year.
Matchup To Watch
Kawhi Leonard vs. James Harden -- Two of the best players in the NBA will face off. Houston’s Harden is having a dominant season as he has been scoring at a level that hasn’t been seen since Michael Jordan in the late 1980s. He is putting up 35.7 points per game along with 8.3 assists and 6.4 rebounds. He is shooting 44 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range. He has averaged 47.6 points per game over his past five.
Leonard is an elite defender and it will be interesting to see how much he guards Harden in this one. Leonard is also a key player on the offensive end of the court. He is averaging 27.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest. He is shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three-point range.
The player that has the leg up in this matchup could help give his team the edge in this contest.
Injury Report
The Rockets are not expected to have point guard Chris Paul in this game as he continues to rehabilitate from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for a significant stretch. Forward Clint Capela is also not playing, which has made it tough on Houston and forced Harden to take over.
Toronto is healthier and that is a reason why it has a decent chance at picking up this road win.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Harden is making a case to win another MVP as his scoring has been ridiculous this season, especially of late. However, the supporting cast is not great right now because of the injuries. The Raptors have a fellow superstar in Leonard and much better depth.
This game should be close because of it is being played in Houston but Toronto is the choice to win the contest in NBA gambling. This game could have a lot of scoring so consider taking the “over” on the scoring total.
NBA ATS Pick: Toronto Raptors 121, Houston Rockets 116
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