The Toronto Raptors (24-44) travel to face off against the Phoenix Suns (31-37) on Monday, March 17th. This game will be played at PHX Arena in Phoenix and televised on AZFa. Both the Raptors and Suns will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip off is scheduled for 10:00 ET.

Raptors vs Suns

The Raptors Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Raptors dropped to 24-44 on the season after a 105-102 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. Toronto entered the game as +7.5 underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 207, falling well short of the 227.5 O/U line.

Toronto started strong with a 13-0 run, taking the score from 7-4 to 17-7. They led 82-77 going into the 4th quarter but were outscored 28-20 in the final period, allowing Portland to come back and take the win.

The Suns Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Suns fell to 31-37 on the season after a 107-96 road loss to the Lakers on Sunday. Phoenix, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 203 were well below the O/U line of 227.5.

The Lakers took control early with a 12-0 run, stretching the score from 11-9 to 23-9. Phoenix was outscored 31-15 in the 1st quarter and couldn’t recover, despite winning the 3rd quarter 34-29 and the 4th quarter 25-24.

Raptors Offense Breakdown

In their 105-102 loss to the Trail Blazers, the Raptors shot just 40.4% from the field, with a three-point percentage of 32.3%, connecting on 10 threes. Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji led the way with 19 points each, with Poeltl shooting 69.2% and adding 8 rebounds.

Agbaji contributed 9 points in the 3rd quarter and 6 more in the 4th, while Scottie Barnes added 16 points, 8 of which came in the 2nd quarter. Poeltl also had 9 points in the opening period.

Suns Offense Breakdown

The Suns struggled offensively in their 96-point effort against the Lakers, shooting just 39.3% from the field and 22% from three-point range, making only 9 threes. Kevin Durant led the team with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, though he shot 35.3% from the field and 28.6% from deep.

Devin Booker also shot 35.3%, finishing with 19 points and 11 assists. Durant scored 15 of his points in the 3rd quarter, while Ryan Dunn added 8 of his 13 points in the 4th. Nick Richards contributed 7 of his 11 points in the 3rd quarter.

Raptors Team Defense

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Raptors couldn’t hold off the Trail Blazers, allowing 105 points on 40% shooting in a 105-102 loss. Toronto’s best defensive quarter came in the 1st, where they gave up just 19 points, but they struggled in the 2nd, allowing 33 points.

The Raptors had trouble defending the three, as Portland hit 18 threes on 36% shooting. Toronto sent the Blazers to the line 18 times, where they made 15 free throws. The Raptors recorded 12 steals but didn’t register any blocks.

Suns Team Defense

The Raptors’ defense had a strong 1st quarter, giving up just 19 points, but they struggled in the 2nd, allowing 33 points. They tightened up in the 3rd, holding the Trail Blazers to 25 points, but gave up 28 in the 4th, leading to a 105-102 loss. Overall, Toronto held Portland to 40% shooting.

From beyond the arc, the Raptors allowed 18 threes on 36% shooting. They also sent the Trail Blazers to the line 18 times, where they made 15 free throws. Toronto gave up 19 offensive rebounds but recorded 12 steals in the game.

Raptors vs Suns Trends

• Toronto has played well in their previous three road games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 114 points per game while allowing 112. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-0.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Suns offense has averaged 118 points per game while allowing an average of 123. Phoenix posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 5-5 ATS.
• Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Raptors have a straight up record of 4-6. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.
• Phoenix has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.

Raptors vs Suns Prediction

We’re putting our money on the Suns to win, and have the projected score sitting at 124-95. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Suns at -8.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 227.5 and our model has the Raptors and Suns finishing with a combined 219 points. Our pick is to take the under.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.