Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Betting Pick & Prediction 3/17/25
The Phoenix Suns (-366) host the Toronto Raptors (+291) in a non-conference matchup. The Suns are 8.5-point favorites and the over/under line is set at 227.5.
This game will take place at PHX Arena in Phoenix and will tip-off at 10:00 ET. The Suns are 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 31-37, while the Raptors are 11th in the East at 24-44.
TORONTO RAPTORS VS PHOENIX SUNS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Phoenix Suns -8.5
This game will be played at PHX Arena at 10:00 ET on Monday, March 17th.
WHY BET THE PHOENIX SUNS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 124-95 in favor of the Suns.
- Our projections have Kevin Durant finishing with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
- From the field, we have the Suns finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.4% and knocking down 14 threes.
Will the Raptors Win on the Road?
The Raptors fell to 24-44 on the season after a 105-102 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. Toronto, who entered the game as +7.5 point underdogs, kept things closer than expected. The total score of 207 points was well under the 227.5-point line.
Toronto went on a 13-0 run early, but Portland responded by winning the 2nd quarter 33-25. The Raptors regained control by outscoring the Blazers 30-25 in the 3rd, taking an 82-77 lead into the final quarter. However, they were outscored 28-20 in the 4th, leading to the loss.
In their 105-102 loss to the Trail Blazers, the Raptors shot just 40.4% from the field, with a 32.3% mark from three-point range, hitting 10 threes overall. Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji led Toronto with 19 points each, with Poeltl shooting 69.2% from the floor.
Agbaji added 9 points in the 3rd quarter and 6 more in the 4th, while Poeltl scored 9 of his points in the opening period. Scottie Barnes contributed 16 points, 8 of which came in the 2nd quarter.
Defensively, the Raptors put together a strong 1st quarter, holding the Trail Blazers to just 19 points, but they struggled in the 2nd, giving up 33 points. They tightened up in the 3rd, allowing 25 points, but Portland scored 28 in the final quarter. Overall, Toronto gave up 105 points on 40% shooting from the field.
The Raptors had trouble defending the three, as the Trail Blazers hit 18 threes at a 36% clip. Toronto also sent Portland to the line 18 times, where they made 15 free throws. On the boards, the Raptors allowed 19 offensive rebounds but came up with 12 steals.
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Suns?
The Suns fell to 31-37 on the season after a 107-96 road loss to the Lakers on Sunday. Phoenix entered the game as +3 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread, losing by 11. The total score of 203 points was well below the O/U line of 227.5.
A 12-0 run by the Lakers early in the game put the Suns in a hole, as they trailed 31-15 after the 1st quarter. Phoenix couldn’t make up much ground, as they were outscored 23-22 in the 2nd quarter. Although they won the 3rd quarter 34-29 and the 4th quarter 25-24, they couldn’t overcome the 83-71 deficit heading into the final period.
The Suns struggled offensively in their 107-96 loss to the Lakers, shooting just 39.3% from the field and hitting only 22% of their threes, making 9 in total. Kevin Durant led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds, despite shooting 35.3% and hitting 2 threes at 28.6% efficiency. Devin Booker added 19 points and 11 assists, also shooting 35.3% from the floor.
Durant scored 15 of his 21 points in the 3rd quarter, while Booker contributed 6 points in the 4th. Ryan Dunn finished with 13 points, 8 of which came in the final period, and Nick Richards added 7 of his 11 points in the 3rd quarter.
Defensively, the Suns had a strong 2nd quarter, giving up just 23 points, but they allowed 31 in the 1st, contributing to their 107-96 loss to the Lakers. Overall, they held Los Angeles to 43% shooting from the field.
The Suns limited the Lakers to 14 made threes on 35% shooting from deep. They also gave up 32 free throws, with the Lakers converting 23. Phoenix grabbed 37 defensive rebounds, allowing 7 offensive boards, and recorded 4 steals and 4 blocks.