Rockets at Raptors: Betting odds, point spread for Friday night
The Rockets haven’t lost 10 or more consecutive games in more than 20 years. When they visit the relocated Toronto Raptors (16-17) on Friday night in Tampa, that’s what Houston (11-19) is striving to avoid.
On paper, the schedule isn’t getting easier for the Rockets, who are 0-9 since losing star center Christian Wood on Feb. 4 to a right ankle sprain. In the eight games prior to that injury, Houston went 7-1. As expected, Wood is listed as out and will miss his 10th straight game on Friday.
Veteran guard John Wall expressed frustration about the absence of big men after Houston’s latest loss in Cleveland. If head coach Stephen Silas wants to address that concern, he could opt to give more minutes to recent signing Justin Patton, who played only 12 minutes Wednesday.
Then again, since Toronto doesn’t utilize a traditional center in its starting lineup, perhaps it’s a friendlier matchup for the “small ball” Rockets. Other than Wood, the Rockets are healthier than they’ve been in weeks. Veterans Victor Oladipo, Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker are back in the rotation after missing time with various nagging injuries.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Raptors -8.5 (-110), Rockets +8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Raptors -375/Rockets +300
Over-under: 221.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
Player O/U Scoring Props: John Wall 21.5 (-110 O, -110 U); Victor Oladipo 18.5 (-130 O, +100 U), Jae’Sean Tate 10.5 (-115 O, -110 U), PJ Tucker 4.5 (-130 O, +100 U); Pascal Siakam 21.5 (-105 O, -120 U), Fred VanVleet 20.5 (-110 O, -115 U), Norman Powell 18.5 (-125 O, -105 U), Kyle Lowry 17.5 (-120 O, -105 U), OG Anunoby 12.5 (-120 O, -105 U)
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.
Friday’s starters for the Raptors are expected to be Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. Meanwhile, Stephen Silas will likely counter with John Wall, Victor Oladipo, Jae’Sean Tate, Danuel House Jr. and PJ Tucker for the Rockets.
Advice and prediction
Since Toronto doesn’t start a traditional big man, Houston’s defense might look more lively and closer to the elite unit that it was prior to Wood’s injury. Thus, the under could be a worthwhile play.
Prediction: 111-105, Raptors
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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