Rockets vs Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 2/9/24

Toronto Raptors (17-33) vs Houston Rockets (23-27)

Game Info: Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Scotiabank Arena)

Betting Odds: Toronto Raptors -2.5 -- Over/Under: Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Toronto Raptors play host to the Houston Rockets at the Scotiabank Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Raptors vs Rockets Prediction.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have been in a rut as they've lost six of their last nine games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after getting beaten by the Pacers in a 132-129 road loss on Tuesday. Jalen Green led the team with 30 points on 12 of 21 shooting, Dillon Brooks added 23 points while Jabari Smith Jr and Alperen Sengun scored 20 points each. As a team, the Rockets shot 51 percent from the field and 12 of 25 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in control when they exploded for 75 points in the first half to take a 10-point lead, only to let it all go to waste in the third quarter where they got outscored by 38-24. The Rockets will take on the Hawks after this one.

Toronto Raptors

Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors have been in a real slump as they've lost eight of their last 10 games overall, but they will be eager to build some momentum after snapping a three-game skid with a 123-117 road win over the Hornets on Wednesday. RJ Barrett led the team with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each scored 18 points while Dennis Schroder chipped in with 16 points and five assists off the bench. As a team, the Raptors shot 53 percent from the field and 17 of 33 from the 3-point line as they allowed the Hornets off to a flyer to fall into an early 15-point deficit, but they kept pushing and made their move in the fourth quarter where they outscored the Hornets by 32-20 to escape with the much-needed road win.

Toronto Raptors Player Facts

Jakob Poeltl ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (69.7%) this season.
Gary Trent Jr. ranks 6th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (42.5%) this season.

Houston Rockets Player Facts

Alperen Sengun ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for assists per game (5.1) this season.
Jabari Smith Jr. ranks 26th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (8.3) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

The Raptors rank 2nd in the league for assists per game this season (29.5).
The Raptors rank 29th in the league for free throw percentage this season (74.6%).
The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (74.8%).
The Rockets rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (34.7%).

Raptors vs Rockets Prediction

The Rockets are going to be shorthanded once again with Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason still out, while the Raptors are keeping an eye on Jontay Porter who is questionable with lower back soreness. The Rockets haven't been able to get anything going over their past nine games and they will be kicking themselves after coming up just short to the Pacers in a tough loss on Tuesday, while the Raptors were absolutely ice-cold before they were able to sneak past the slumping Hornets in their last outing. You couldn't back either side with any confidence this season, but the Rockets looked good in their last game with the duo of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks combining for 53 points, so I'll lean towards the Rockets to get the win on the road in this spot.