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Suns Go North to Avoid Going South

Suns just .500 in last eight after starting season 26-5

The Phoenix Suns remain atop the Western Conference, but they’re in the midst of a rough patch. Phoenix had just five losses in their first 31 games, now they have split their last eight.

They loss by 23 points at home to Miami thus past Saturday evening in one of their worst efforts of the season. Now the Suns begin a five-game road trip.

Suns vs Raptors: Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, and Picks 2022
CHRISTIAN PETERSEN / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Toronto, meanwhile, is on a six-game winning streak, having disposed of top-tier teams Milwaukee and Utah in the process. Can they cover the NBA odds in the sportsbook in this one?

Let’s take a closer look at this NBA betting preview.

  • Game: Phoenix Suns (30-9) vs Toronto Raptors (20-17)
  • Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
  • Day/Time: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Television: TSN

Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors

Suns’ Backcourt Will Lead Them

The Suns have one of the best backcourt duos in the NBA right now. Devin Booker missed seven games with a hamstring but still leads the team in scoring at 23.6 points per game.

Chris Paul has taken a back seat in the scoring department, averaging 14 points, 4.4 rebounds and a league-leading 10 assists per game. These two have been critical to the Suns’ offensive success, currently third-best in the league.

It doesn’t hurt when you have eight players averaging double digits in points, so the depth is obvious.

Phoenix also owns the league’s fifth-ranked defense. The Suns have experience, depth, offensive and defensive talent. They’re vulnerable these days, however, which is something that you have to be aware of if you bet online.

Raptors Getting Healthier

Finally, the Raptors are getting healthy. They have been dealing with a number of injuries to their best players for a good part of the season. For now, they’re all back, except for Scottie Barnes (sore knee), who is still questionable for this contest, as is Gary Trent Jr. (ankle swelling).

Fred VanVleet has stepped up this season, averaging 22 points, five rebounds and 6.7 assists per game as the starting point guard.

Pascal Siakam is adding 20.6 points per game to go with OG Anunoby’s 19 ppg. When fully healthy, the Raptors can be quite competent, as evidenced by this current run.

The warm-weather Suns probably aren’t thrilled to be to be in the frigid Canadian confines, so perhaps that works to the Raptors’ advantage.

Suns Early Favorites Despite Raptors Hot Streak

Phoenix does everything at a high level, from their backcourt, to their frontcourt and their coaching. It’s been clicking this season for the Suns, albeit with a few bumps in the road.

As for the Raptors, they started this year off really inconsistent and injured, but when healthy, this is a dangerous unit that can handle any opponent.

If the Suns were clicking, they’d be the bet. However, they are scuffling right now and the Raptors are generally healthy. They also have more momentum, so they’re worth a play as a home dog.

Pick: Toronto +4 (-110)

Pick: Over 223½ (-110)

Parlay: Toronto +4 (-110) and Over 223½ (-110) at +264

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