This is an inner conference match of NBA between Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets, at Scotiabank arena, the home of Raptors. This is an entertaining matchup of two, strong teams, so please review our thoughts here below.
Toronto Raptors
Currently, Toronto is in the 2nd place of the Eastern Conference standings (46-17). Recently, Raptors have been on a tear as they are on 8 games winning streak. In the last game against Portland Trail Blazers Toronto won 117-119 and in that game, Kawhi Leonard scored 38 pts. Raptors are a very good offensive team as they score 114.4 points per game and rank in the 6the place in this category. Also, Toronto’s defense is good enough. They allow 107.3 points per 100 attacks and this is a pretty good result, compared to other teams. Pascal Siakam has been playing well lately. In his last 10 games averages 22.1ppg and gets 6.9rpg. Also, Jeremy Lin was added to the team and he fits in very well, while playing off the bench. This season’s leaders for Raps: Kawhi Leonard (26.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.9stlpg), Pascal Siakam (16.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.9apg), Serge Ibaka (15.9ppg, 8.1rpg), and Kyle Lowry (14.4ppg, 9.1apg). At home, Raptors are almost unstoppable, as their record while playing at Scotiabank arena is 26-5.
Houston Rockets
Currently, Rockets are in the 5th seed of the Western Conference standings (37-25). They are looking forward to winning some games and get this home court advantage. James Harden is still playing on the MVP level. Last game against Miami Heat he scored 58 points and dished out 10 assists. Capela has come back to the lineup and it is surely giving them some more power in the paint. Kenneth Faried will come off the bench and in the result, Houston has some nice rebounding and inside defense every minute of the game.
They are among leaders in 3 pointers made and attempted. Out of their last 10 games, they’ve won 7. Rockets leaders: James Harden (36.6ppg, 7.7apg, 6.6 rpg), Clint Capela (17.6ppg, 12.6rpg), Eric Gordon (16.1ppg), Chris Paul (15.6ppg, 8.0apg).
H2H
So, these teams have already met each other once this season and then Rockets won 121-119 in a very tough game, so we can expect the same situation in this game. Houston will try to extend 5 winning streaks, Toronto will try to win because they are trying to get this 1st place in Eastern Conference.
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