Toronto Raptors at Houston Rockets 10/7/22 - NBA Picks & Predictions

The Toronto Raptors continue their NBA preseason schedule on Friday with a visit to the Houston Rockets.  Toronto finished its 2022-23 regular season 48-34 and was fifth in the Eastern Conference. Toronto has plenty of young talent led by Pascal Siakam, who last season was a third-team All-NBA member and one of just five players that averaged 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game. Joining Siakam on the starting five for Toronto will be Fred VanVleet, who is an excellent defender and was the second leading scorer for the Raptors last season. Gary Trent Jr is also a strong defender, while Scottie Barnes shot very well from inside at 59.1% last season. Rounding out the starting five is OG Anunoby, who was slowed by injuries last year but is expected to be 100% to start the season.

Key players coming off the bench for Toronto will be led by Precious Achiuwa, who will likely see a starting role during the season. Chris Boucher will help Toronto in rebounding on both ends of the court. Otto Porter Jr joined Toronto from Golden State during the off-season and Thaddeus Young is a veteran with plenty of talent and leadership who will help younger players for the Raptors.

Last season the rebuilding Houston Rockets finished last in the Western Conference at 20-62 and that rebuild process will continue this season. Young talent will be on display this season for Houston led by Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr and Jae’Sean Tate. Houston added talent through the NBA draft when selecting Jabari Smith at No. 3 and Tari Eason at No. 17. Houston added veteran center Derrick Favors and are expected to make other deals before the start of the regular season.

The leading scorer for each of the last two seasons, Christian Wood, is no longer with Houston, but the Rockets are expected to improve off of a season in which they only won 20 games. The starting five will include Porter Jr, who suffered through nagging injuries parts of last season, Green, Eric Gordon, who could be traded, Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun, who after playing as a backup to Wood for two seasons will be the starting center.