Game Preview
The struggling Toronto Raptors (7-21) look to snap their six-game skid as they host the surging Houston Rockets (18-9) in an intriguing interconference battle. While the Raptors have stumbled out of the gates, averaging just 117.1 points per game on a pedestrian 46.3% shooting, their recent form has been even more concerning. Over their last five contests, Toronto has been dreadful, failing to record a single win while surrendering a whopping 139.6 points per game.
Conversely, the Rockets enter this matchup riding high, winners of their last game and sporting an impressive 18-9 record on the season. Houston has been a model of consistency, hovering around 113.5 points per game on 44.5% shooting. Their balanced attack is spearheaded by a stingy defense that has held opponents to just 106.4 points per game. In their last 10 games, the Rockets have gone 6-4, limiting foes to 108.5 points while knocking down over 33.6% of their three-point attempts.
A key factor could be the battle on the glass. While the Raptors have rebounded at an elevated rate lately, grabbing nearly 50 boards over their last 20 games, the Rockets have matched that intensity, averaging 49.7 rebounds during the same stretch. Whichever team can control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities could gain a pivotal upper hand.
For the Raptors to pull off the upset, they'll need to rediscover their shooting touch from distance. Over their last 10 games, Toronto has drained just 35.2% of their three-point tries, a shade below their season average. Conversely, Houston has knocked down over 33.6% of their long-range attempts during that span, fueling their offensive efficiency. If the Raptors can heat up from deep and slow the Rockets' perimeter attack, an end to their losing skid could be in sight.