The Toronto Raptors host the Phoenix Suns in a matchup of struggling teams on Sunday.
The pregame narrative: Toronto and Phoenix have each lost seven of their 10 games, but I’m picking the Suns to get the win. The under on the game total seems like a solid pick with neither offence dominating this season, and I will also fade RJ Barrett in a difficult matchup.
Check out my Suns vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 23.
Suns vs. Raptors predictions
Parlay: Suns moneyline | Under 226.5 points | Barrett under 21.5 points (+460)
Suns moneyline (-122): Phoenix is playing its second game in as many days and that’s the reason why this line is where it is.
As of the time of this writing, the Suns have not submitted their injury report. There could be some players missing as all of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal played on Saturday.
Phoenix’s top stars sitting out the second night of a back-to-back is a big reason why it’s 2-9 straight up with no rest.
Even if the Suns play tonight’s game without a full complement of stars, I still like them to beat the underwhelming Raptors.
Toronto is 25th in opponent points per game (116.6) and 22nd in points per contest (110.6).
Phoenix can at least hang its hat on being a competent offensive side. It’s 14th in points per game (113.3) this campaign.
Bet on the Suns winning as they aim to keep pace in the Western Conference’s play-in race.
Quick picks
Under 226.5 points (-105): Don’t expect a high-scoring affair between these two squads.
Durant, Booker and Beal all played 38 minutes on Saturday. Even if they do suit up, they could be in line for reduced roles.
Phoenix has the seventh-best under percentage (51.8%) in the NBA. The team’s slower pace helps contribute to that as it ranks 21st in pace (98.79).
You also have Toronto’s anemic offence. The Raptors have scored 110 points or fewer in five of their last six games.
Barrett under 21.5 points (-124): Lastly, I’m fading Barrett in a very difficult matchup.
The Toronto small forward enters after a pair of strong results. He has 27 and 29 points, respectively, in each of his last two games after missing the previous five.
But there are several reasons to take the under on Barrett’s points prop.
For starters, the Suns have been excellent at locking down small forwards. They’re surrendering the second-fewest points per game (19.30) to the position, according to Fantasy Pros.
Secondly, Barrett was riding a string of poor outputs before his five-game absence. He hit the under on this total in 11 of 13 contests.
Barrett is averaging 21.9 points per game on the campaign and I anticipate a below-average performance on Sunday.
Picks made at 11:50 a.m. ET on 02/23/2025.
Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.