The Toronto Raptors are heading to Texas on Friday night for a date with Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets at 8 p.m. ET.
Where to Watch
Sportsnet and TSN 1050 will air the game in Toronto. Space City Home Network and SportsTalk 790 will broadcast for Houston.
What to Watch For
- It's Toronto's first game against VanVleet since he left in free agency this past summer. VanVleet's scoring is down a little as his role has shifted with the Rockets, but he's once again knocking down three-pointers at an impressive rate and he's averaging a career-best 8.4 assists per game this year.
- The Raptors may be back at or near full strength with Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett on the mend. It's been a rough three weeks without Poeltl who should provide some much-needed defensive toughness and rebounding ability when he does return. Quickley's offensive firepower and three-point shooting should provide a boost as well.
- As always these days, Scottie Barnes' development is going to be at the forefront for Toronto. Getting back some of the injured players should help lighten the load on Barnes who has been the focal point of the defense's attention these days. Barnes has been up-and-down lately and getting more talent around him should help.
Injury Reports
Poeltl, Quickley, and Barrett are all questionable. Jontay Porter is doubtful to play.
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun is questionable. Tari Eason is out.
Game Odds
The Raptors are +5.5 point underdogs with an implied win probability of 37%. The total for the game is 240.5.