Both teams aim to bounce back from recent losses, with Toronto seeking to solidify its playoff position.
Category: Local News
On March 22, 2026, the Toronto Raptors will face the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center, with both teams eager to rebound from tough recent performances. The Raptors, currently sitting at 39-30, are the No. 5 seed of the Eastern Conference, fighting to avoid play-in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the Suns, with a record of 39-31, find themselves on a troubling five-game losing streak, which has severely impacted their chances of climbing into the Top 6 of the Western Conference.
This matchup is particularly poignant, considering the Raptors secured a victory against the Suns earlier this season, winning 122-115. During that game, Toronto orchestrated a remarkable comeback, outscoring Phoenix 36-23 during the fourth quarter. Brandon Ingram was a standout performer, tallying 36 points, with RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes contributing a combined 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists.
With both teams eager to improve their playoff positioning, the Raptors come into this game with a slight edge. They have a solid 20-14 straight-up (SU) record on the road this season and have performed well against the Suns, boasting an impressive 8-2 record against the spread (ATS) over their last ten matchups. The Raptors' offense ranks fifth, scoring an average of 113.86 points per game, whereas the Suns lag behind at 23rd with 111.62 points per game.
On the other hand, the Suns' defensive struggles have been apparent, ranking 23rd by allowing 113.86 points per game. This has been exacerbated by injuries to key players, which have hindered their performance. The Raptors are expected to capitalize on these weaknesses, particularly with Scottie Barnes, who is projected to surpass 6.5 total rebounds during the game. Barnes has been a consistent force on the boards, averaging 7.9 rebounds per game and securing 7+ rebounds for three consecutive games.
“Even if Victor Wembanyama has a hold on the Defensive Player of the Year award for the foreseeable future, Scottie Barnes belongs to the conversation this season,” noted an analyst from Covers. His contributions will be instrumental, especially against a Phoenix team that takes the fifth-most three-pointers, leading to long rebounds that Barnes can exploit.
Adding to the Raptors' momentum is RJ Barrett, who has found his rhythm lately, scoring over 20 points eight times out of his last ten games and shooting an impressive 58% from the field throughout March. This offensive prowess will be key against a Suns team that has struggled defensively, particularly during their recent losing streak.
For Phoenix, the spotlight will be on Devin Booker, who has been a consistent scorer, averaging 31 points against the Raptors this season. He will need to step up his game to help the Suns break their losing streak. Jalen Green, who scored 34 points against the Raptors earlier this month, will also be a player to watch. The Suns will need a strong performance from both players, particularly if they hope to recover from their recent slump.
The opening odds for the game indicate a slight advantage for the Raptors, with a spread of Raptors -1.5 and moneyline odds of Raptors -120 against the Suns at +100. The over/under is set at 220.5 points, which reflects the potential for a high-scoring game, especially considering the Raptors' offensive capabilities.
Fans can tune into the game at 9:00 p.m. ET on KPHE or stream it live via Fubo. With the stakes high for both teams, this matchup promises to be an exciting clash of playoff aspirations.
Both teams are aware that every game counts at this stage of the season. The Raptors are focused on maintaining their position and avoiding a slip into the play-in tournament, which could jeopardize their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Suns are desperate to turn their fortunes around and regain their footing before the postseason.
With the Raptors' solid performance on the road and their recent success against the Suns, they enter the game with confidence. The Suns, on the other hand, must find a way to break their losing streak and leverage their home-court advantage. The outcome of this game could significantly impact both teams' playoff trajectories, making it a must-watch for basketball fans.
Will the Raptors continue their strong play and solidify their playoff position, or can the Suns rise to the challenge and snap their losing streak? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: this game is set to be a thrilling contest.