Suns Seek Redemption Against Raptors After Five-Game Losing Streak

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a much-anticipated rematch against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center. With the game set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. MST, the Suns are hoping to shake off a five-game losing streak and capitalize on their home court advantage. The Raptors, currently fifth place with a 39-30 record, are no strangers to the Suns, having defeated them just nine days prior with a score of 122-115.

The Suns (39-32) have struggled recently, with their last encounter against the Milwaukee Bucks resulting a loss and a continuation of their disappointing trend. Coach Jordan Ott expressed the team's need for rejuvenation, stating, "If you look at our injury report, there's a lot of size on our injury report. We need to find the juice, find the energy." This sentiment echoes the urgency felt by the team, who are now four games back from the sixth seed with only 11 games left this season.

Unfortunately for the Suns, their injury woes continue to mount. Royce O'Neale has been ruled out due to left knee soreness, missing his third consecutive game. Other sidelined players include Grayson Allen (left knee injury management), Amir Coffey (left ankle sprain), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management), Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), and Mark Williams (left foot stress reaction). Ott highlighted O'Neale's importance, noting his contributions to rebounding, leadership, and spacing, especially during end-of-game situations.

On the flip side, the Raptors come into this game after a close 121-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets, snapping a three-game winning streak. They are led by Brandon Ingram, who averages 21.8 points per game, alongside Scottie Barnes with 18.6 points and 7.9 rebounds. Both players were instrumental during their last matchup against the Suns, where Barnes and fellow teammate RJ Barrett contributed significantly to the Raptors' success.

Both teams have faced their share of challenges this season, but the Suns’ recent struggles have been particularly pronounced. They have not only lost five straight games but have also blown fourth-quarter leads during four of those matches. Jalen Green, who scored a team-high 24 points against the Bucks, and Devin Booker, who added 14 points, will need to step up their game if the Suns hope to find success against Toronto.

Notably, the Suns have been recognized for their defensive capabilities, allowing the sixth-fewest points per game at 111.2. This defensive prowess might be their saving grace, especially against a Raptors team that, though effective, ranks 21st for points scored per game at 114.0. The Suns will need to leverage their strong defense and improve their offensive output, which has been a struggle lately, ranking 26th with an average of 112.1 points.

With the Raptors favored by 3.5 points, the matchup is expected to be closely contested. The Suns, who have seen a decline after a promising start to the season, will need to find their rhythm quickly. Coach Ott emphasized the importance of regaining their identity on the court: "Anyone we put into the game, lace them up, go out there, give all that you can do. Kind of play to our identity and see what happens." This mantra may be the key to overcoming their recent setbacks.

Fans will be eager to see if the Suns can turn their fortunes around against the Raptors, who have already proven they can capitalize on the Suns' vulnerabilities. The first meeting of the season saw the Raptors take advantage of a 10-point lead the Suns held with just ten minutes remaining. The Suns will need to maintain their composure and execute their game plan effectively to avoid a repeat performance.

For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast on Arizona's Family 3TV and Arizona's Family Sports, with radio coverage provided by 98.7 Arizona's Sports Radio Station and KSUN La Mejor 1400 AM/106.5 FM. Fans can expect to see the Suns don their Icon Edition (Purple) jerseys, with the Raptors appearing on the court wearing their Association Edition (White) jerseys.

With both teams vying for playoff positioning, this matchup promises to be a battle of wills. The Suns have the home-court advantage, but the Raptors are hungry for a win to solidify their spot within the Eastern Conference. Will the Suns find the energy and strategy needed to break their losing streak, or will the Raptors continue their success against Phoenix? Only time will tell.