basketball | Friday, December 30, 2022 1:35 PM

Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet: Favoured Raptors Are Value To Cover

Sam Cox

Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet: Friday, December 30th

Entering this game after consecutive losses and with a 15-20 record on the season, it might surprise some that the Toronto Raptors are 2.5-point favourites over the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix is 20-16 on the year, residing sixth in the Western Conference, and has a 19-17 record against the spread.

The Suns, however, have gone 5-10 in December. Devin Booker is sidelined for a month, joining Jae Crowder, Cam Johnson, Cam Payne and Landry Shamet on the shelf. Yes, Phoenix has a rest advantage with the Raptors coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, but the Suns are playing a third game in four nights, and the fourth game of a roadtrip.

Toronto hasn’t been any better in December, going 4-10, and is likely without Fred VanVleet here after the undersized guard sat out their loss to Memphis on Thursday. Precious Achiuwa and Otto Porter Jr remain out.

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Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Preview
Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet

Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Preview

Sat, Dec 31. 00:30 (UK time)

So, these are two teams in something of a rut, and two teams without star guards. Phoenix has been forced to lean heavily on Deandre Ayton on offence, while the Raptors are hoping Scottie Barnes can play through his slow start to the season. Pascal Siakam has been performing at a high level for the hosts, however, and he is potentially a tough matchup even for Mikal Bridges.

Uncharacteristically, the Raps have been a poor defence over the last 10 games, placing in the bottom four in defensive rating. Phoenix has also fallen off on that end of the floor, with Monty Williams forced into some funky line ups around his remaining three core players of Bridges, Ayton and Chris Paul.

Toronto is the kings of funky. Nick Nurse has been running mega-sized groups with Siakam and Barnes sharing guard duties. It has been limited in its success of late, but their size could prove significant against this Suns team with Paul and Damion Lee playing big minutes.

This game isn’t going to be the most aesthetically pleasing basketball. Both rank in the bottom 10 in pace, and the halfcourt offence is going to be very deliberate.

Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet

Prior to this season, this is a matchup where Paul could mastermind his team to a win. His performance has improved since returning from injury, but that has not been matched in the results. Phoenix’s defence craters with Paul on the court, and he will be a target for the Raptors.

Toronto is 7-6 against the spread as a home favourite. Phoenix has had some upset wins on the road, but this looks like a difficult matchup for them in a gruelling part of the schedule. Expect a low-scoring game with the Raps edging it in the fourth.