The Toronto Raptors will take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Raptors-Suns prediction and pick.
These teams have had vastly different seasons. The Raptors began the year with a streak of terrible play, but quickly turned things around to earn a 35-30 record on the season so far. Toronto is barely holding on to a playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, so every single game is incredibly important.
The Suns, unsurprisingly, are in a far better position. Phoenix has earned the best record in the NBA, going 53-13 on the year. Remarkably, they're still the only team to have 50 wins this season. Head coach Monty Williams' team will look to continue that dominance in that game.
Here are the Raptors-Suns NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Suns Odds
Toronto Raptors: +5 (-106)
Phoenix Suns: -5 (-114)
Over: 222.5 (-110)
Under: 222.5 (-110)
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Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
Toronto's defense will have a chance to keep this game close. The Raptors only allow 107 points per game while doing a great job at preventing points in the paint and fast-break points. Toronto also averages nine steals per game, one of the best numbers in the league. The Suns are obviously an elite offensive team, but they've been slightly cold in recent games without Chris Paul. Phoenix was just held to 102 points by the Orlando Magic and only managed 111 points in a win against the Miami Heat.
The Raptors have been surprisingly good at covering the spread this season. They're 35-29-1 against the spread on the year, one of the best records in the NBA. Even more impressive is their record on the road. The Raptors have gone 19-13-1 ATS away from home this season, with a 12-10-1 record as a road underdog. The Suns are 16-18 against the spread when they enter the game as a home favorite, so this looks like a decent spot to pick the Raptors in.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
Phoenix's defense will perform well in this game, much like Toronto's. The Suns only give up 105 points per game while holding their opponents to some of the lowest shooting percentages in the NBA. Opposing teams only manage to make 11 3-pointers per game against the Suns, another one of the best defensive figures in the league. The Raptors own some of the worst offensive stats in the league, as they only shoot 44% from the field while averaging 108 points per game. This is a great matchup for a Phoenix defense that has been completely dominant this season.
The Raptors' depth will be tested in this game. Starting small forward OG Anunoby has been ruled out of this game along with backup point guard Malachi Flynn. Toronto relies on Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. to provide depth at small forward, but both players also start at different positions in the Raptors' lineup. That means guys like Yuta Watanabe and Dalano Banton will have to play significant minutes in this matchup against the best team in the NBA.
Final Raptors-Suns Prediction & Pick
This is a fairly easy pick. The spread is too small to trust any pick but the Suns to cover. Lock in Phoenix with confidence in this game against an inferior opponent that is dealing with injuries, even with CP3 sidelined.
Final Raptors-Suns Prediction & Pick: Phoenix Suns -5 (-114)
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