Both teams look to improve playoff positioning after recent losses
Category: Sports
The Toronto Raptors are set to face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET at the Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ. Both teams come into this matchup seeking to improve their playoff standings after tough recent losses.
The Raptors, currently the No. 5 seed with a 39-30 record, aim to solidify their position and avoid falling into play-in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the Suns are struggling, having lost five consecutive games, which has hampered their chances of climbing into the Top 6 of the Western Conference.
Toronto enters this game with a strong road record of 20-14 and is 8-2 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10 matchups against Phoenix. Their offense ranks 5th league-wide, scoring an average of 113.86 points per game, whereas the Suns sit at 23rd with just 111.62 points per game.
Scottie Barnes is expected to be a key player for the Raptors, with predictions indicating he will grab over 6.5 rebounds during the game. This season, Barnes averages 7.9 rebounds per game and has recorded 7 or more boards for three consecutive games. His performance will be even more important against a Suns team that has been struggling with injuries on the wing.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has emphasized the importance of rebounding, especially against a Phoenix team that relies heavily on three-point shooting, ranking 5th for attempts this season. With long rebounds likely, Barnes’ ability to control the glass could be a game-changer.
RJ Barrett has also been a standout for Toronto, scoring over 20 points consistently, including eight of his last ten games where he shot an impressive 58% from the field this March. His scoring ability, combined with Barnes' rebounding, could pose serious challenges for the Suns.
On the other side, Phoenix is led by Devin Booker, who has been a consistent scorer, averaging over 30 points against the Raptors this season. He previously scored 31 points against Toronto earlier this month. Jalen Green also poses a threat, having scored 34 points against the Raptors, including an impressive 8-of-16 from three-point range.
Both teams are coming off recent losses. The Raptors fell to the Denver Nuggets on March 20, losing 121-115, where they struggled defensively, allowing Denver to score 51.16% from the field. The Suns, meanwhile, lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 108-105, marking their fifth straight defeat. This streak began with a loss to Toronto earlier this season, where the Raptors rallied from a six-point deficit to win 122-115, thanks to a 36-23 run during the fourth quarter.
Toronto's Brandon Ingram led the scoring during that match with 36 points, and he will be a player to watch again. The Raptors will need to tighten their defense to avoid a repeat of their last encounter, especially considering how the Suns have struggled to score late, tallying just 23 points during the fourth quarter of their last matchup.
For this game, the opening odds have the Raptors favored at -1.5, with a moneyline of -120, and the Suns at +100. The over/under is set at 220.5 points, indicating a competitive matchup expected between the two teams.
With injuries also affecting both rosters, the Raptors will be without Dillon Brooks, Royce O'Neale, and Grayson Allen, all of whom are day-to-day. The Suns are similarly impacted, with Collin Murray-Boyles and Chucky Hepburn listed day-to-day due to various injuries.
Fans can catch the game on KPHE or stream it live via Fubo, where they can follow the action closely. Both teams are aware of the stakes, and with the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts.
Expect a high-energy matchup, with the Raptors aiming to capitalize on the Suns’ recent struggles. Will Scottie Barnes dominate the boards, or can Devin Booker and Jalen Green find their rhythm to lead Phoenix back to victory? Tune into the game to find out!