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Top Handicapper 
Rockets Desperate to End Freefall Against Raptors
In just under three weeks, the Houston Rockets have gone from one of the top teams in the Western Conference to a team in freefall. A 116-105 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday extended their losing streak to six games, dropping them from the second seed all the way to fifth and at risk of losing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Now, the Rockets host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday in what has suddenly become a must-win situation.
Injuries Taking a Toll on Houston
Houston initially handled Jabari Smith Jr.’s hand injury well, but the combination of injuries to Alperen Sengun (calf) and Fred VanVleet (ankle) has proven devastating.
While Sengun has returned and is averaging 23.3 points and 12.7 rebounds in his last three games, his efforts alone haven’t been enough to stop the slide. VanVleet, who has now missed four straight games, is proving to be the biggest loss, as Houston’s ball security has suffered without his leadership on the floor.
Amen Thompson, stepping in at point guard, has been a defensive force—winning Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for January—but has also committed 15 turnovers in his last four games.
“Fred is probably our most important player as far as getting us organized and getting everybody set into their spaces and calming everything down,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.
Houston needs to regain its footing quickly, or risk tumbling further down the ultra-competitive Western Conference standings.
Raptors Leaning on Young Players Amid Injuries
The Toronto Raptors (19-39) are in a different situation. They’re clearly in rebuilding mode, focusing on player development as they sit 20 games below .500.
They opened a three-game road trip with a 121-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, their fourth loss in five games after a season-high five-game winning streak.
Toronto played that game without several key players, including:
- RJ Barrett (concussion protocol)
- Jakob Poeltl (hip injury)
- Brandon Ingram (ankle), recently acquired from New Orleans
As a result, rookies and young players dominated the Raptors’ rotation. Jamison Battle, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Ja’Kobe Walter all played extended minutes, alongside second-year guard Gradey Dick.
“There are small things that we’re striving for. There are a lot of small details that we’re trying to work on, just focusing on our improvement,” coach Darko Rajakovic said.
Game Outlook: Rockets Need Urgency
Houston Rockets (30-26, 5th in West)
- On a six-game losing streak
- Struggling without Fred VanVleet
- Sengun averaging 23.3 PPG since return
- Thompson thriving defensively but struggling with turnovers
Toronto Raptors (19-39, 12th in East)
- Lost four of last five games
- Focused on player development
- Key injuries to Barrett, Poeltl, and Ingram
- Rookie-heavy rotation
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Handicapping Membership
The Rockets desperately need a win to stop their freefall in the West, while the Raptors are using this stretch to develop young players. Can Houston snap its skid, or will Toronto’s young core continue to gain valuable experience in another tough matchup?
Sunday’s game could be a turning point for the Rockets as they try to get back on track before it’s too late.
