Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors are back home in Tampa Bay for three consecutive games, starting with the Houston Rockets tonight.
The Raptors have lost their last two contests — one at home and one on the road — but have looked more like a playoff team as of late, winning four of their last six. Most recently, Toronto lost to the Miami Heat 116-108 on Wednesday night.
The team is now 16-17, but 7-7 at home.
The Rockets, on the other hand, are struggling this season, sitting at 11-19 and 6-12 on the road. Houston is on a nine-game losing streak, and has not won a single game since Feb. 5 when they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 115-103.
However, it should be noted that there were two Rockets games that were postponed during their cold spell — against the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks — due to the severe weather in Houston.
John Wall currently leads Rockets in points per game (20.1) and assists per game (6.1). DeMarcus Cousins led the team in rebounds per game (7.6) before being waived by Houston on Tuesday.
The Raptors game plan against the Rockets should focus on offensive rebounds and defending shots from beyond the arc. When Houston loses, they average 6.8 less rebounds per game compared to their winning games, with much of that due to a drop-off in defensive rebounding.
From three-point range, the Rockets’ accuracy decreases by 9.3% in an average loss compared to a victory.
Toronto’s sole player on the injury report is Jalen Harris (finger), who primarily plays for the Raptors 905. Houston has listed Christian Wood (ankle) and Dante Exum as out for tonight’s matchup.
The game is set to tip-off at 7:30PM EST.
