Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors Prediction: Unpredictable Raptors take on streaky Suns

The NBA midseason is on and we are nearing the trade deadline which means that the market is going to get busy soon. Thus, the news regarding trade has been buzzing for a while but after some time, we will learn who will end up will where. In this NBA Regular Season game, the Phoenix Suns are going to take on the Toronto Raptors in a cross-Conference affair.

The Suns break into this game after defeating the Spurs 128:118 in the Overtime as Chris Paul rolled in 31 points and 11 assists. They have now won five out of their last six games but still remain at 26 wins and 25 losses because of some damp play since the third week of December. Returns of Chris Paul and Cameron Johnson have bailed them out recently but after the two game home stretch(including this game), they will go on a five-game Eastern Conference road trip.

The Suns’ defense has tighetened up and their offense is producing 10+ points more than it was earlier. Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton are great secondary options but with the lack of help, they are unable to put together a strong offense by themselves. Their defense helps but there are murmurs that Ayton maybe on the move soon. It is a must to mention that the Suns lost their way after losing their Ace Devin Booker, without him they have 14 losses and just eight wins.

The Raptors come into this game after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 123:105 as Precious Achiuwa had 27 points and 13 rebounds. They have won three of their last four games but because of a slow start to the season, they still have just 23 wins and 28 losses. They have done well so far on the road trip, winning two of their three games, however, they have still four more games away from home.

They have shored up their struggling offense a bit while their defense has been their strength since last season. One major change has been that Fred Van Vleet has elevated his game which bodes well because Pascal Siakam has been dropping 25+ points a game regularly. This has been an inspiring period for the squad but there are rumors swirling that Gary Trent Jr, Fred Van Vleet or OG Anunoby can be on the move.

• Suns: OUT: Devin Booker, Landy Shamet, Cameron Payne;
• Raptors: OUT: OG Anunoby, Otto Porter. QUESTIONABLE: Dalano Banton.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Pascal Siakam(27-34 Points), Cameron Johnson(23-25 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Precious Achiuwa(10-12 Rebounds), Deandre Ayton(9-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Chris Paul (10-13 Assists), Fred Van Vleet(7-9 Assists).

The Raptors are playing much better than earlier and the same goes for the Suns. This makes for an interesting affair, also because these two have had a couple of tough months prior to this period. Phoenix has been much more effective since Paul and Johnson have been in while Fred has elevated Raptors’ chances with much more help from the bench. I expect a close game with Raptors edging out in the closing moments. I expect a scoreline of 116:112.