Suns vs Raptors Picks and Predictions: Siakam Tries to Keep Toronto Afloat

The Toronto Raptors are one of the most infuriating teams in the NBA to handicap, because it has become increasingly hard to figure out how the team will perform on a game-to-game basis.

Unfortunately, the results have been more bad than good lately. The team is coming off an ugly loss to the Grizzlies and has dropped eight of its last 10 overall. The Raps are also playing the second half of a back-to-back and yet, they are still favored in tonight’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. 

The Suns' roster is as depleted as a solar panel in Alaska in winter. Most notably, star guard Devin Booker is out for several weeks with an injury — but can Toronto take advantage of the situation?

I break it all down and bring you my best bet in NBA picks and predictions Suns vs. Raptors.

Suns vs Raptors best odds

Suns vs Raptors picks and predictions

The only thing reliable about the Toronto Raptors at this point in the season is the play of Pascal Siakam. The All-NBA forward is doing his best to keep this Raps ship afloat.

Siakam is averaging 26.5 points on 48.4% shooting while adding 8.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. He’s tried to shoulder even more of the scoring load while seemingly the entirety of the rest of his team has struggled.

Spicy P is putting up 29.5 points per game over his last 10 and has scored 25 or more in six consecutive games. He’ll have a great chance to keep that streak alive against the Suns.

Phoenix is really hurting coming into this one. The Suns have lost four of their last five while Devin Booker, Cam Payne, Cam Johnson, and Landry Shamet will all miss this game due to injuries, meaning the Suns will be running a very short bench.

Over those five games, they’ve allowed the likes of Rui Hachimura to go for 30 points, Nikola Jokic to put up 41, Jaren Jackson Jr. to get 24, and Kyle Kuzma to score 29. 

Even if the Raptors continue to disappoint, the effort from Siakam should still be there and I’m taking him to go Over his point total of 25.5 tonight vs. the Suns.

My best bet: Pascal Siakam Over 25.5 points (-110 at PointsBet)

Suns vs Raptors spread analysis

Even though the Suns come into this one battered, losers of four of their last five, and without Booker, you can make the case things are still going worse for the Raptors.

The Raptors, simply put, just don’t look like themselves. When you think of the Raptors, you think of high energy, smart defense, and being well-coached. While the half-court offense has its issues, the team has enough shooting to stay competitive in most games.

But there have been too many mental mistakes, and the effort has waned. The numbers bear that out. 

Over the last 10 games, the Raptors have ranked 28th in the NBA in defensive rating. They haven’t been closing out well or getting hands in enough faces. As a result, they rank dead last in opponent field goal percentage and 29th from three.

Even though the Suns aren’t whole, they still have the likes of Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges to hold down the fort. 

I’m still a little stunned to see the Raptors favored in this game, considering their current form and the fact they’re playing in the second half of a back-to-back. I just don’t know how you can feel good about backing the Raptors until they show some semblance of consistency. 

With that being said I would lean toward the Suns on the moneyline in this one. 

Suns vs Raptors Over/Under analysis

The total in this NBA showdown has seen a little action dropping from the opening number of 223.5 to 222. While the Under may seem like the right side, considering all the players who could be out of this game, I’m a little uneasy when it comes to the total tonight.

Generally, I think of the Raptors as an Under team, considering their usual level of play on defense, combined with the fact the halfcourt offense can stall at the best of times. But, the defense has been so bad lately that just doesn’t feel like the case at the moment. As noted, the Raps are giving up a lot of open looks and are giving up over 115.3 points per game.

And yes, Booker is out for the Suns, but it’s not like the Raps have been getting killed by only great teams over this ugly 10-game stretch. A Steph-less Golden State Warriors put up 126 points. There are just too many ways I can see this game going Over, which is 6-4 over the Raps' last 10 games. I’ll stick with my Pascal prop and avoid the total tonight. 

Suns vs Raptors betting trend to know

The Raptors are 0-5 ATS in their last five games at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Raptors.

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