The Suns continue to hang around the postseason picture in a crowded Western Conference despite injuries to several key contributors through the first half of the season, 26-25 on the year, and now get an opportunity to hand what could be a final blow to this iteration of the Raptors.
Toronto is mired in a season-long slump that has the front office thinking about pivoting and rebuilding around second year pro Scottie Barnes, offloading some of their veteran contracts in the process. The Raptors enter Monday’s action 23-28.
The trade deadline is less than two weeks away and with every passing loss for the Raptors, the team gets closer to moving on from their current roster. Will the Suns push them closer towards an active trade deadline?
Here are the odds for Monday’s matchup:
Raptors vs. Suns odds, spread and total
Raptors vs. Suns prediction and pick
The Suns are as close to full strength as they have been in weeks. Despite Devin Booker still being on the sidelines, the team has Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul back in the fold. Overall, this Suns defense has been humming over the last two weeks, third in points allowed per 100 possessions in that time frame, sparking a 5-2 record.
Phoenix is still struggling on the offensive side of the ball, 24th in points per 100 possessions over the last two weeks, but the Raptors defense has been a leaky faucet of late, 22nd on that side of the ball. Not to mention, the team will be without their best perimeter defender in O.G. Anunoby to slow down the likes of Mikal Bridges.
Toronto is trending closer towards blowing up their roster at the trade deadline and I can’t trust them on either side of the floor to hold up their end of the bargain.
The Raptors have constantly been looked at favorably in the betting market, closing as an underdog of four or less to the Kings, Warriors and Trail Blazers in their last three games. However, given Phoenix’s recent form I think they should be favored by more and they get it done as small home favorites.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.