Game Preview: Suns look for second win in as many days vs. Raptors

Can they make it two in a row?

Who: Phoenix Suns (27-29) @ Toronto Raptors (17-39)

When: 4:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Scotiabank Arena — Toronto, Canada

Watch: AZFamily, Suns Live

Listen: KMVP 98.7

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The Suns will take on the Toronto Raptors for the first time this season. They open the game as slight favorites, a rare occurrence of late.

Phoenix is fresh off a 121-117 road win in Chicago yesterday. They made a lineup change, sending Tyus Jones to the bench in favor of Bradley Beal and it seemed to give them at least somewhat of a spark.

Toronto has lost 6 of their last 7 games and four in a row at home. The Suns will look to keep that streak going at Scotiabank Arena. It’s put up or shut up time for Phoenix as they look to make a run at some form of playoff basketball.

This is the game they gotta have if they want a shot at the play-in tournament. Look at their remaining schedule… I consider this a must-win.

Probable Starters

Phoenix

• Nick Richards
• Kevin Durant
• Royce O’Neale
• Bradley Beal
• Devin Booker

Toronto

• Orlando Robinson
• Scottie Barnes
• RJ Barrett
• Gradey Dick
• Immanuel Quickley

Injury Report

Suns

• Cody Martin — OUT (Sports Hernia)

Raptors

• Jakob Poeltl — QUESTIONABLE (Hip)
• PJ Tucker — OUT (not with team)
• Brandon Ingram — OUT (ankle)

Uniform Matchup

What to Watch For

81 points

Phoenix’s “big three” of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal combined for 81 points on 54 shots.

Beal re-entered the starting lineup and poured in 25 points on 10-19 shooting with 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 38 minutes, including a clutch three to ice the game.

They will need that version of Bradley Beal for the rest of the season so that this team has a fighting chance.

Former Knicks

The duo of Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are fresh off a strong game against the Heat, combining for 52 points on 38 shots.

Barrett just returned from injury and has averaged 28.0 points per game in those two contests since his return. Quickley also (somewhat) recently returned from injury, and he has looked sharp in his past four games.

Toronto is “stealth tanking” in the sense that the front office is fine with losing, but the talent they have is too good for them to be a typical “bottom-of-the-barrel” type of team. Injuries have killed them, but they have a few guys back now so it will not be a walk in the park.

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Slow Down Scottie

Scottie Barnes is a versatile, swiss army knife forward who can get downhill and create for others. He’s the exact type of big forward that the Suns have struggled to contain.

Kevin Durant will likely spend time guarding him, but when he is not, it’s important for Phoenix to limit the advantage creation he seeks by recklessly attacking the rim with bad intentions.

John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto already has decent size as a team, but we are waiting to see if Jakob Poeltl (questionable) will return. His presence (or lack thereof) makes a significant impact on this game for both sides.

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Fun fact I saw on X/Twitter… Devin Booker has scored 35+ points against every NBA team except the Raptors.

Key to a Suns Win

Take care of the basketball. Rebound the basketball. Hustle.

Toronto has nothing to lose, so do not dig a hole early and let them get comfortable or you will be in trouble.

It’s that simple.

Prediction

Phoenix finds a way to win but somehow makes it more dramatic than it needs to be.

Suns 113, Raptors 108

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