It figures to be a high-scoring affair as the Houston Rockets (38-25), 4-point underdogs, travel to Toronto to play the Raptors (46-18). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 228 points and it will air on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.
Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Odds
In the Rockets’ last outing, they beat the Boston Celtics, 115-104, despite being 2.5-point underdogs. The Raptors, on the other hand, were defeated by the Detroit Pistons, 112-107, and were unable to cover as 2-point underdogs. The Houston game finished 7 points under the projected point total of 226, while the Toronto game went 2 points over the projected point total of 217.
Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.606 (above their season average of 0.536) and a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 11.7). Boston was 0.532 and 12.7, respectively, for those same stats. Toronto, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (above their season average of 22.8). Kyle Lowry played well for Toronto with 35 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, James Harden had a good game for Houston, finishing with 42 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Kenneth Faried led the Rockets to a 121-119 victory. He recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Houston covered as a 3.5-point underdog and the two teams combined for 240 points, which was over the projected point total of 228. Houston did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (29-33; 87.9 percent). Toronto, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 25.5).
Of the Rockets’ 63 games, 34 have finished over the O/U total. Houston is 38-25 straight up (SU), but they are just 28-33-2 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Raptors games, with 35 overs compared to 29 unders. Toronto has an outstanding 46-18 SU record, but they have trouble covering the spread (27-35-2 ATS).
Toronto could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Raptors currently rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while Houston ranks 24th in defensive efficiency.
Rockets vs. Raptors Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors rank 15th in second chance points per game (13.2) while the Rockets rank 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
- Toronto ranks 10th in points in the paint per game (49.3) while Houston ranks last (42.4).
- The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (44.9) while the Raptors rank 12th (33.2).
- Toronto averages 17.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Houston ranks 19th in points off turnovers given up per game (17.0).
- Toronto ranks 18th in rebounds per game (45.0) while Houston ranks 27th (41.5).
- The Raptors rank fifth in fast break points per game (18.3) while the Rockets rank 21st (11.6).
- The Raptors average 8.4 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Rockets rank 18th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
- Toronto ranks 13th in assists per game (24.9) while Houston ranks 27th (20.9).
- When allowing less than 100 points, Toronto is 11-1 and Houston is 9-2.
- The Raptors are 43-13 when they reach the century mark, while the Rockets are 36-17.
- Houston is 12-19-1 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 14-18-1 ATS at home.
- In 32 road games, the Rockets have 17 unders, 14 overs and 1 push.
- The Raptors have 18 overs and 15 unders in 33 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Rockets are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Raptors are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Houston has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Toronto has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 118.2 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.6 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
- The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 5.3 for the season.
