The Toronto Raptors (36-27) and Houston Rockets (39-24) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will be broadcast live on SCHN.
The Rockets are 5.5-point favorites over the Raptors on the spread (Rockets -5.5), with the over/under set at 217.5 total points. Houston is a -205 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Toronto is +170 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Raptors vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, March 10.
Raptors vs Rockets Prediction, Pick
- Raptors vs Rockets pick: Reed Sheppard 20+ Points & Assists (+121)
My Rockets vs. Raptors best bet is on Reed Sheppard to combine for 20+ points and assists. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Raptors vs Rockets Odds
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -115 | 217.5 -112o / -108u | +170 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -105 | 217.5 -112o / -108u | -205 |
Raptors vs Rockets NBA Preview
The Raptors are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings and appear to be firmly in the playoff picture, but the sixth-place Magic and seventh-place Heat are just one game behind.
Toronto could use a good run after getting off to a slow start in March.
The Raptors are 1-2 straight up this month after securing a blowout win over the Mavericks in their last outing.
Toronto's unexpected bench scoring production played a large role in that victory, as it hasn't been a strength so far in 2025-26.
Brandon Ingram (21.9), Scottie Barnes (18.9), RJ Barrett (18.6), and Immanuel Quickley (17.3) all boast strong scoring averages, but Toronto ranks 25th (31.9) in bench points per game.
That figure has dropped to 23.3 points per game in March, despite the Raptors 37 bench points against Dallas.
Luckily for them, they'll face a Rockets team that ranks dead last in total bench points in the season (1,794).
Houston averages a league-low 28.5 points per game this season, but has depended on one reserve heavily since the league returned to action after the All-Star break in Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard's rapid development as a long-range sniper and tertiary playmaker has made him very valuable.
Bettors should keep an eye on his player props in a game that likely won't feature much scoring off the pine.
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (finger) are out for Toronto, while Jakob Poeltl (illness) is questionable. Jae'Sean Tate (knee) is out for Houston.
Raptors vs Rockets Predictions, Betting Analysis
Rockets -5.5 (Lean)
I'm leaning toward taking the Rockets -5.5 in this game.
Houston throttled Toronto by 18 points at Scotiabank Arena in October, and the Raptors are just 6-10 against the spread as road underdogs in 2025-26.
Sheppard's recent contributions have helped the Rockets go 3-1 against the spread at home since the All-Star break ended.
Reed Sheppard 20+ Points & Assists
Sheppard is averaging 20.3 points and 6.3 assists per game through four outings this month, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 39.0% from deep.
He has played 31.8 minutes per game across 10 outings since Feb. 19. He's attempted 13.8 shots per game during that stretch.
Only Alperen Sengun (55) and Kevin Durant (48) can top Sheppard's mark of 46 dimes over Houston's last 10 games.
He'll likely see plenty of the ball in his second meeting with Toronto this season, as he's earned more responsibility since the last time these two teams faced off.
Raptors vs Rockets Best Bet
- Reed Sheppard 20+ Points & Assists (+121)
Spread
I lean toward the Rockets to cover the spread in this matchup (-5.5).
Moneyline
I'm staying away from the moneyline tonight.
Over/Under
No play on the total here.
