Two games where the margin question is bigger than the winner question. Houston is the better-rested side but is thin up front, and Boston scores efficiently. In Los Angeles, the Clippers are carrying a long list of absences into a game against a Toronto team with the stronger numbers.
Houston against Boston: Houston is 6-1 with strong home shooting and a rest edge, but Adams is out and Capela and Sheppard are doubtful, which limits how far it can pull away. Boston has won five of six, scoring at a steady rate across all four quarters. A big Houston margin needs more than a rest advantage. That's why I'm siding with Boston getting the points.
Clippers against Toronto: the Clippers are 1-5 with a large negative differential, and five players have been out for one to three weeks, so each of their losses already included those absences. Toronto has the better volume and shooting profile and a strongly positive differential over six games. I expect Toronto to lead through the first and third quarters and edge it. That's why I'm siding with Toronto.
