Preview: Raptors Look to Slow Surging Rockets in Houston HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Rockets, holding one of the Western Conference’s top records, will host the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center on Tuesday night in a cross-conference matchup. The Rockets (39-23) enter on a strong run, having won seven of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 106-99 home victory over Portland on March 6. Houston’s success has been fueled by a balanced attack, with guard Amen Thompson emerging as a dynamic force. Over his last 10 games, Thompson has averaged 16.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, including a 26-point, 7-rebound, 7-assist performance against the Trail Blazers. He is complemented by veterans Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, who combined for 48 points in that win. The Toronto Raptors (36-27) arrive after a dominant 122-92 win over Dallas on Sunday, which snapped a two-game skid. Forward RJ Barrett led the way with 31 points and six rebounds, continuing a stretch of high-level play where he has averaged 18.7 points over his last 10 contests. The Raptors have been inconsistent lately, however, alternating wins and losses frequently since late February. This will be the second meeting between the teams this season. Houston won the first matchup decisively, 139-121, in Toronto on Oct. 29, 2025. The game pits Houston’s high-powered offense, which has scored 120 or more points in four of its last six games, against a Toronto squad seeking more defensive consistency. The Raptors have allowed an average of 110.2 points in their last five outings. Houston holds a significant edge in the standings, but the Raptors remain in the Eastern Conference playoff picture and are coming off one of their most complete performances of the season. Containing Thompson’s all-around game and Durant’s scoring will be a primary challenge for Toronto’s defense, while the Rockets must account for Barrett’s scoring surge and the playmaking of Scottie Barnes. Following this game, Houston begins a two-game road trip in Denver on Wednesday. Toronto continues a three-game road swing in New Orleans on Wednesday.