Phoenix-suns vs Toronto-raptors Picks and Predictions March 17th 2025

Phoenix-Suns vs Toronto-Raptors March 17th 2025

At 10:00 ET, the Phoenix Suns (-366) will host the Toronto Raptors (+291) in a non-conference matchup. The Suns (-8.5) are favored over the Raptors, and the over/under line is set at 227.5.

This game will be played at the PHX Arena in Phoenix and can be seen on AZFa.

Raptors vs. Suns Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns
• Where: Phoenix at PHX Arena
• Date: Monday, March 17th
• Betting Odds PHO -8.5, TOR +291 | PHO -366 O/U 227.5

The Raptors Can Win If…

The Raptors fell to 24-44 on the season after a 105-102 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. Despite being +7.5 point underdogs, Toronto kept it close, losing by just three points. The game’s total of 207 points fell well short of the 227.5 O/U line.

Toronto went on a 13-0 run early, turning a 7-4 deficit into a 17-7 lead. However, after a strong 1st quarter, the Raptors allowed Portland to tie things up by halftime. Toronto regained control in the 3rd, outscoring the Blazers 30-25, but couldn’t hold on in the 4th, where they were outscored 28-20.

In Sunday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, the Raptors shot just 40.4% from the field and hit 10 threes at a 32.3% clip. Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji led Toronto with 19 points each, with Poeltl shooting 69.2% from the floor.

Agbaji scored 9 points in the 3rd quarter and added 6 more in the 4th. Scottie Barnes contributed 16 points, with 8 coming in the 2nd quarter.

Despite holding the Trail Blazers to 105 points on 40% shooting, the Raptors couldn’t secure the win. Their defense was strong in the 1st quarter, allowing just 19 points, but they gave up 33 in the 2nd. They tightened up in the 3rd, giving up 25 points, and allowed 28 in the 4th.

Toronto struggled to defend the three, allowing Portland to hit 18 threes at a 36% clip. The Raptors sent the Blazers to the line 18 times, where they made 15 free throws. Toronto finished with 12 steals but didn’t record a block.

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Toronto has an ATS record of 3-0 while averaging 114 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• Through their last five games as the underdog, the Raptors have an ATS record of 4-1 and a straight up mark of 3-2.
• Over their last three games, the Raptors have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

Maximize Your NBA Betting Profits! – Discover the best bets for spreads, moneylines & props.

The Suns Can Win If…

The Suns fell to 31-37 on the season after a 107-96 road loss to the Lakers on Sunday. Phoenix, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 203, 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. Despite outscoring the Lakers 34-29 in the 3rd and 25-24 in the 4th, the Suns couldn’t overcome the deficit, entering the final quarter down 83-71.

The Suns struggled offensively in their 107-96 loss to the Lakers, shooting just 39.3% from the field and hitting only 9 threes at a 22% clip. Kevin Durant led the way with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, despite shooting 35.3% and going 2-for-7 from deep.

Devin Booker also shot 35.3%, finishing with 19 points and 11 assists. Durant scored 15 of his 21 points in the 3rd quarter, while Ryan Dunn added 8 of his 13 points in the 4th.

Defensively, the Suns had a solid performance, holding the Lakers to 107 points on 43% shooting. They gave up 31 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, allowing just 23 points. In the 4th quarter, they limited the Lakers to 24 points.

From beyond the arc, the Suns held the Lakers to 35% shooting, with 14 threes made. They also sent the Lakers to the line 32 times, where they made 23 free throws. The Suns grabbed 37 defensive rebounds while allowing 7 offensive boards and added 4 steals and 4 blocks.

• In their last five home games, Phoenix has averaged 116 points per game while allowing 120. The team’s record in this stretch was 1-4 while going 3-2.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Phoenix has an ATS mark of 4-6 while going 5-5 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Suns have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Suns to secure the win, with an expected final score of 124-95. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -8.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 227.5 and our model has the Raptors and Suns finishing with a combined 219 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Your Courtside Advantage

NBA Stats & Bets

Get Free Trial

Suns Face Raptors in Must-Win Battle to Revive Playoff Hopes

The Phoenix Suns are in a fight for survival in the Western Conference playoff race, and their upcoming five-game homestand could make or break their season. It all starts Monday night when they host the Toronto Raptors, a team also trying to keep its postseason hopes alive.

Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back, which means fatigue could play a role. Phoenix (31-37) enters the game one and a half games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in tournament spot. With just a handful of games remaining, every contest carries massive implications for the NBA Championship chase.

Sunday was a missed opportunity for Phoenix. With Dallas losing to Philadelphia, the Suns had a golden chance to gain ground but fell 107-96 to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their 15th loss in the last 21 games.

Devin Booker Calls Out Suns’ Inconsistency

Star guard Devin Booker voiced his frustration after another up-and-down stretch.

“In spots, we show we can do it. That’s what makes it even more frustrating,” Booker said via the Arizona Republic. “We have a game like (Friday’s 122-106 win over Sacramento), and then we come in and miss a few shots, and that affects our defense.”

The Suns’ defense held up well against the Lakers, allowing just 107 points—their second-best defensive performance since February 1. However, their offense struggled, scoring only 96 points, their lowest total since a January 20 loss to Cleveland.

Booker and Kevin Durant both had off nights, shooting 6-of-17 from the field and combining for 40 points. To make matters worse, third-leading scorer Bradley Beal (17.6 points per game) left the game with a hamstring injury, putting his status for the final stretch in doubt.

With Beal potentially sidelined, the Suns need to capitalize on Monday’s matchup against a Toronto team that has struggled on the road.

Raptors Looking to Bounce Back After Portland Loss

The Toronto Raptors (24-44) sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, still four and a half games behind the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot. Their slim postseason hopes took another hit on Sunday when they lost 105-102 to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Toronto was without leading scorer RJ Barrett (21.5 points per game), as well as Gradey Dick and Immanuel Quickley. However, there was a bright spot: Ochai Agbaji returned to action for the first time since February 28 and made an immediate impact, scoring 19 points to match Jakob Poeltl for the team high.

Poeltl, who has been one of Toronto’s most consistent performers, shot 9-of-13 from the field and grabbed nine rebounds in the loss. The veteran center has been setting career highs in scoring (14.2 PPG) and rebounding (9.6 RPG), proving to be one of the NBA’s Most Improved Players this season.

“Consistency has always been the goal throughout my career,” Poeltl told SportsNet. “I just wanted to be a better basketball player overall by a little bit every single year.”

 Get Expert NBA Picks Today! – Stay ahead with the latest game predictions.

Phoenix Must Avoid Another Letdown

The last time these two teams met, Toronto dominated Phoenix 127-109 on February 23. Barrett and Quickley each scored 23 points, outlasting Booker’s 31 and Beal’s 30. Poeltl did not play in that game, meaning his presence could make things even tougher for a Suns team already dealing with interior struggles.

With matchups against top teams in the Pacific Division and Northwest Division looming, this game is a must-win for Phoenix. Falling further behind the Mavericks, Lakers, and Warriors in the playoff race would be disastrous.

Key Factors for the Suns

1. Can Booker and Durant step up? With Beal possibly out, the Suns need their two stars to carry the scoring load.
2. Will the Suns improve their defense? The NBA Defensive Player of the Year race includes top stoppers, but Phoenix needs a team-wide defensive effort.
3. Can they limit second-chance points? Poeltl’s rebounding presence makes this a crucial battle. The NBA Rebounds Leader category has been dominated by Denver’s Nikola Jokić, but Poeltl is showing he belongs in the conversation.

Key Factors for the Raptors

1. Will Barrett play? If he returns, Toronto’s offense gets a huge boost.
2. Can the Raptors capitalize on Phoenix’s struggles? The Suns have been vulnerable lately, making this a prime opportunity.
3. Will Poeltl continue his rise? His NBA Blocks Leader numbers are improving, and a strong defensive outing could tip the scales in Toronto’s favor.

What’s at Stake?

For Phoenix, the next five games will define their season. They need a hot streak to stay in contention for a Western Conference playoff spot. With matchups against teams in the Central Division, Southeast Division, and Southwest Division on the horizon, the margin for error is slim.

For Toronto, this game is a chance to keep their Eastern Conference play-in hopes alive. Even with NBA Summer League standouts showing promise, the Raptors need their veterans to step up.

Can the Suns regroup and defend home court, or will the Raptors play spoiler once again?