Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns Free Pick & Analysis

Toronto Raptors (23-28 SU, 26-25-0 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (26-25 SU, 26-23-2 ATS)
When: Monday, January 30th, 9:00 PM (ET)
Where: Footprint Center, AZ, Phoenix
TV: BSAZ

Point Spread: Tor +2.5/Pho -2.5
Total: 226.5
Money Line: Toronto Raptors +115/-140

Notable Injuries

Raptors

• Otto Porter Jr. (Out) Foot
• OG Anunoby (Out) Wrist
• Dalano Banton (Questionable) Right Hip

Suns

• Jae Crowder (Out) Not Injury Related
• Cameron Payne (Out) Foot
• Devin Booker (Out) Groin
• Landry Shamet (Out) Foot

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Toronto is 23-28 overall. When taking to the road, Toronto has a mark of 8-16 and a win percentage of 33%. Currently, the team is 12th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 26-25-0 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 3-2 in their past five games and 4-1 ATS. Over their past ten games, they are 5-5 SU and 6-4 ATS.

Toronto will be looking to build on their most recent win over the Trail Blazers. Precious Achiuwa led the team to a win with 27 points. The Raptors were 3-point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS win.

Heading into the game, Phoenix is 26-25 overall. When playing at home, Phoenix has a mark of 18-8 and a win percentage of 69%. Currently, the team is 9th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 26-23-2 vs. the spread. In Phoenix’s last five games, the Suns have a straight-up record of 4-1 while going 4-1 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 6-4 and 7-3 ATS.

In their preceding game, the Suns overpowered the Spurs, earning a 128-118 win as 5-point favorites. Chris Paul led the way for the Suns, putting up 31 points on 60.0% shooting. The Suns not only secured the victory but also covered the spread.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Raptors picked up the 113-104 win over the Suns. The Raptors’ margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 2 point favorite. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. When looking at how these teams have performed against the spread in recent matchups, the Raptors hold the edge at 3-2. However, the average scoring margin in these matchups has been tight, sitting at just 0 points per game. A combined average of 216 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

This season, the Raptors’ offense averages 112.9 points per game, which is 19th in the NBA. In terms of pace, Toronto has been playing at one of the slower tempo’s in the league, averaging just 97.3 possessions per game. Toronto’s 3-point shooting numbers are below the league average, as they have hit just 33.4% of their looks from deep. On average, the team gets up 32.5 3-point shots per game, placing them 20th in the NBA. Defensively, the Raptors have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 107.1 points per game. So far, they have allowed a 3-point shooting percentage of 35.34%, placing them 17th in the NBA.

As the Raptors prepare for today’s game, Pascal Siakam is their leading scorer with an average of 25.1 points per game. This season, Siakam has a field goal percentage of 47.3%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Gary Trent Jr., who is averaging 18.6 points per game.

This season, the Suns’ offense averages 112.9 points per game, which is 20th in the NBA. In terms of pace, Phoenix has been playing at one of the slower tempo’s in the league, averaging just 98.0 possessions per game. Phoenix’s 3-point shooting numbers are below the league average, as they have hit just 38.8% of their looks from deep. On average, the team gets up 33.2 3-point shots per game, placing them 15th in the NBA. Defensively, the Suns have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 107.33 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 33.88%.

Heading into today’s game, Phoenix will need a strong offensive effort from Mikal Bridges and the team’s supporting cast as Devin Booker won’t be available vs. Toronto. So far, Booker is averaging 27.1 points per game. Bridges leads the Suns at 16.5 points per contest.

Betting Trends

• The Suns are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto
• The total has gone UNDER in six of Phoenix’s last nine games when playing
• The Suns are 7-2 ATS in its last nine games when playing at home against Toronto

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Phoenix defense has picked up in recent games, which can be attributed to their improved play. The Raptors’ defense has fallen off a bit, but their seasonal numbers are strong, ranking 9th in the league at 112.3 points per game. Take the Under 224.5