The Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns might be examples as to why teams should never give up on a season. Over a week ago, the Raptors were involved in many trade rumors for their top players, while injuries had taken the Suns out of the playoff conversation.
Now the teams seem to be trending upward headed into their matchup Monday night. The Raptors have won three of their last four games, most recently beating the Portland Trail Blazers 123-105. In the Suns’ last game, they beat the San Antonio Spurs in overtime 128-118 for their fifth win in six games.
Let’s check the latest NBA news, stats, injury report and NBA lines for Suns vs Raptors. We’ve got plenty of NBA picks for you to consider.
Raptors: Important Road Trip
The Toronto Raptors are in the middle of a season-defining road trip across the West Coast. They are already three games in, beating the Sacramento Kings and the Trail Blazers but losing to the Golden State Warriors. There are four more games left, including the Suns.
The Raptors are the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference but only a game back from a play-in spot. The talent on this roster has the potential to be in the hunt for the playoffs, with Pascal Siakam having a great season, averaging 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
However, the struggles of Fred VanVleet, shooting under 40% from the field, and OG Anunoby’s inability to stay healthy have led to the Raptors’ record. On top of that, Scottie Barnes had a slow start to his second season but is coming along, averaging 17 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists across the last four games.
This road trip could decide if the Raptors become sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, with star players like VanVleet and Anunoby already in rumors along with Gary Trent Jr. Sustained success over this road trip could change who is available, with the role players finally starting to offer support.
Paul Back for Suns
Injuries for the Suns have been an issue all season. Especially the injury to Devin Booker, who has grown into their best player. The Suns have gone 8-14 without Booker, with five wins coming over the last six games. Part of that is due to players getting healthy, crucially Cameron Johnson and Chris Paul.
Johnson returned six games ago, right when the Suns began to win again. He has averaged 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds since returning while also being solid defensively.
However, by far, the most significant return has been Paul. Not only because the Suns got back one of their best players and leaders, but he seems to be playing much better. Over the first 47 games of the season, he only played in 26. The injuries limited his production as he was averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 assists.
In the four games since Paul’s return, he is averaging 22.3 points and 10.8 assists. With him back to looking like his usual self and four straight games with over 10 assists, it has been much-needed help for the Suns to regain their form.
Raptors vs Suns Game Injuries
Raptors vs Suns Head-to-Head
The last time these teams played, the Raptors won 113-104, with Trent scoring 35 points. It was part of the Suns’ six-game losing streak. Paul had one of his better games during that time with 20 points and 12 assists.
Raptors vs Suns Game Information
- Game: Raptors (23-28) vs Suns (26-25)
- Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
- Day/Time: Monday, Jan. 30th, 9:00 p.m. EST
- Raptors vs Suns Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Raptors vs Suns Betting Lines
Raptors vs Suns Picks & Prediction
The Raptors and Suns are starting to find their rhythm headed into this game. That can make the game more compelling because both need the win to keep their momentum going.
The Suns are the hotter team and are at home. They have been solid at the Footprint Center – 18-8 overall and 15-11 against the spread. With how Paul has played since returning, they should be able to beat the Raptors, who are also without Anunoby.
The Phoenix Suns are listed at -125 in our Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Suns, you have a chance to win $80. The Toronto Raptors are +105, offering a chance to win $105 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Phoenix Suns a 55.56% chance to win, with the Toronto Raptors at 48.78%.
Raptors vs Suns Trends
Raptors vs Suns Edge
Raptors vs Suns Results
Raptors vs Suns Game Summary
Suns vs Raptors Previous Game (Dec. 30, 2022)
The Toronto Raptors welcome the Phoenix Suns to Canada and both teams need some momentum heading into 2023.
The Raptors have lost their last two games with Fred VanVleet on the sidelines. The Suns have dropped four of their last five, and Devin Booker has been sitting, so they’re in similar situations.
The Raptors have had solid recent success against the Suns, and without Booker playing for the visitors, we’re taking the home side.
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