The Raptors remain without RJ Barrett (concussion), Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Jakob Poeltl (hip). With the team being so shorthanded lately, Ja’Kobe Walter has averaged 24 minutes over the last five games. He scored at least 10 points in each of those games. Despite averaging just 19 minutes per game for the season, he has averaged 7.7 points. Don’t be surprised if he reaches at least 10 points again with added minutes likely coming his way.

Two starters are out for Toronto in RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl so the rookie Gradey Dick should get a few more shot attempts in theory. Our model has him at a shade over 17 points. Houston is a good defensive team at full strength but its team defensive rating is significantly worse when point guard and former Raptor Fred VanVleet is out -- and he still is sidelined due to injury.

Maybe this is the game the Rockets finally put it all together again, but man are they in a bad place. Six straight losses, allowing 120 or more in half of them; losing twice to BRK in that span and getting whacked by short-handed Dallas. Houston is 2-7 ATS last nine at home and 1-4 ATS in last five overall, failing to cover by 8, 12, 11 and 25. Yuck. Raptors can score and overcome early deficits to back-door for us late. Toronto is 7-3 ATS last 10, covering four straight on road, all by at least 6.5 points. Raptors are 21-13-1 after a loss and 14-5 ATS vs the West. I'll ride those trends. Rockets shaky and might regret not doing more at deadline.