It’s more about player development than wins and losses down the stretch for the Toronto Raptors, and they’ll get another look at their young core tonight against the Phoenix Suns.
With Phoenix slipping out of the play-in spots in the West and on the second night of a back-to-back set, my Suns vs. Raptors predictions signal a big night for Toronto’s leading scorer.
Read on for my NBA picks and betting angles for this February 23 matchup at Scotiabank Arena.
Raptors vs Suns prediction
My Raptors pick
RJ Barrett Over 21.5 points (-120 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors’ offense has had some tough nights this month, so Friday’s 120-111 overtime loss to the Miami Heat counts as one of their better showings — and RJ Barrett was one of the Toronto difference-makers. He finished with 29 points on 11-for-17 shooting in that contest, and I’m picking the Canadian to continue his free-scoring form tonight against the Phoenix Suns.
The Brandon Ingram trade puts Barrett in an interesting spot. The Raptors are going to hit a salary crunch down the road, and he still has to prove he’s a key piece of the team’s future.
The signs have been encouraging this season, and he’s on pace for a career-high in points per game, while making 60% of his shots in the restricted area. He’s only shooting 36% from beyond the arc, but he made four of his six triples against the Heat.
That makes this Over a tasty pick here, with Barrett typically more aggressive looking for his shot than Scottie Barnes or Immanuel Quickley.
After what we saw in Phoenix’s narrow win over the Bulls yesterday, there are weak spots for Barrett to attack tonight. He ended up with 23 points in one of his matchups against the Suns last year, and I expect him to lead the charge here too.
Raptors vs Suns same-game parlay
RJ Barrett Over 21.5 points
Under 226.5
Nick Richards Over 8.5 rebounds
Despite pairing Kevin Durant with Devin Booker, the Suns just haven’t unlocked a consistent top gear offensively this season, and I’m taking the Under for my SGP. That’s been a winning ticket in seven of the past 10 meetings between these teams, and in four of Phoenix’s last five games.
Meanwhile, Toronto has scored fewer than 110 points in seven of their last 10 contests. Plus, the Raptors’ defense would get a major boost if Jakob Poeltl (questionable) is cleared to return.
The Suns’ trade for Nick Richards hasn’t exactly propelled the team just yet, but he’s an active presence in the paint and I like the Over on 8.5 rebounds tonight.
Richards is averaging 8.9 rpg this season and he’s grabbed nine or more boards in five of his last nine games. Given that Toronto ranks in the bottom half of the NBA in 3-point percentage, there should be misses falling into his lap.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Suns odds
Raptors vs Suns live odds
Raptors vs Suns opening odds
- Spread: Toronto -1.5 | Phoenix +1.5
- Moneyline: Toronto -110 | Phoenix -102
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Suns spread and Over/Under analysis
- Despite Phoenix’s top-end talent, and the Suns are just 11-18 on the road this season.
- The Raptors have dropped seven of their past 10 contests, going 5-5 ATS in that span.
- Toronto has won the last two meetings between these teams at Scotiabank Arena.
- The hosts have hit the 1H Under in 32 of their last 48 outings.
Raptors vs Suns trend
The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 matchups against the Suns. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Suns.
How to watch Raptors vs Suns
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada |
| Date | Sunday, 2-23-2025 |
| Tip-off | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN |
Raptors vs Suns latest injuries
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