The Toronto Raptors visit the desert tonight to face the Phoenix Suns for the first time this season. Â Itâs time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Raptors-Suns prediction and pick.
The Raptors hold an overall record of 1-5, and they are 1-5 against the spread as well. Toronto is coming off a 12-point loss to the Boston Celtics.
Like Toronto, the Suns' overall and against the spread records are identical, but at 5-2. The Suns are coming off a 5-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Hereâs how sportsbooks have set the opening Raptors-Suns odds.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Suns Odds
Toronto Raptors +3 (-110)
Phoenix Suns -3 (-110)
Over 219.5 PTS (-110)
Under 219.5 PTS (-110)
Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
While the Raptors have been poor this season, their scheduling has done them no favors. Through six games, they have played only one team that is currently under .500.
Add that to the fact they don't have a true home stadium, and still haven't played back-to-back games in their designated âhomeâ arena, and it makes a little more sense why Toronto is off to such a poor start.
They might not be serious contenders this year, but the Raptors are much better than their record indicates.
The main problem the Raptors face is consistently scoring. Kyle Lowry (18.7 PPG) and Fred VanVleet (21.8 PPG) are doing their part, but after their dynamic backcourt, the Raptors aren't getting much.
Pascal Siakam is slumping, shooting 40% from the field and only 30% from three. OG Anunoby is playing decently (11.8 PPG), but the Raps need more with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka now in Los Angeles.
The key for Toronto on Wednesday night is keeping this a low-scoring game. It's doubtful they blitz the Suns and their solid defense.
If the Raptors can stop the Suns from scoring 110-120 points, they'll at least stay in punching distance. 3.5 points isn't much, but with some hard-nosed Toronto defense, this could be a tight one.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the best teams in the NBA. Their record of 5-2 is second only to the Lakers in the Western Conference.
For some reason, sportsbooks have remained stubborn in reflecting this in their spreads.
The Suns have been favorites only four times this season. Their biggest line was -3.5 against the Sacramento Kings. They are 3-1 against the spread as favorites.
Phoenix has been gifted another generous line here, considering how Toronto has been going.
The Raptors have lost five times and the average margin of their losses is 8.4 points. While their defense remains solid, their offense has been poor, and they seem to have stretches where they are unable to put the ball in the basket every game.
This is a dream matchup for Phoenix, who currently has allowed the fewest points in the league.
The one area where the Raptors are solid offensively is at the three-point line. The Suns have allowed the least three-pointers made in the league.
Behind Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges, Phoenix's perimeter defense has been excellent. They should be able to handle the Raptors' backcourt in this matchup and cover the small spread.
Final Raptors-Suns Prediction & Pick
The Raptors have shown me little to believe that they will turn around their season soon. I can't back them with such a small spread with their offensive ineptitude. As long as the Suns keep burning these small spreads as favorites, I'll continue to ride the hot hand. Suns will cover the small spread and hand Toronto their sixth loss of the season.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: PHX 111, TOR 97
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