Betting Experts Make Three Picks for Suns-Raptors
Both the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors could really use a win tonight.
The Raptors have only won their last two-of-ten games while Phoenix enters town having lost their previous four-of-five games.
Without Devin Booker, Landry Shamet and Cam Payne, the Suns could potentially look to again utilize a big lineup with Jock Landale starting at the four spot again. It will be interesting to see what game plan Suns coach Monty Williams deploys against Pascal Siakam, who leads the Raptors in points/rebounds/assists.
The spread remains small on SI Sportsbook, with Toronto being -2.5 point favorites. Only Blazers-Warriors is listed with a smaller spread at -1.5 points.
Looking to make some dough tonight? Here's what some of the best around the web suggest placing your money on:
Covers.com Says Ride the Siakam Train
Andrew Caley: "Siakam is averaging 26.5 points on 48.4% shooting while adding 8.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. He’s tried to shoulder even more of the scoring load while seemingly the entirety of the rest of his team has struggled.
"Spicy P is putting up 29.5 points per game over his last 10 and has scored 25 or more in six consecutive games. He’ll have a great chance to keep that streak alive against the Suns.
"Phoenix is really hurting coming into this one. The Suns have lost four of their last five while Devin Booker, Cam Payne, Cam Johnson, and Landry Shamet will all miss this game due to injuries, meaning the Suns will be running a very short bench.
"Over those five games, they’ve allowed the likes of Rui Hachimura to go for 30 points, Nikola Jokic to put up 41, Jaren Jackson Jr. to get 24, and Kyle Kuzma to score 29.
"Even if the Raptors continue to disappoint, the effort from Siakam should still be there and I’m taking him to go Over his point total of 25.5 tonight vs. the Suns.
"My best bet: Pascal Siakam Over 25.5 points"
FanDuel Takes Phoenix on ML
Devon Platana: "With how bad the Raptors have been lately, especially at home, I'm backing the Suns on the spread. They're 14-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 18 games against the Raptors, who are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games and haven't covered the spread in the last five at Scotiabank Arena.
"If Fred VanVleet (questionable, back) misses his second game in as many nights, I'll like the Raptors' odds even less. The Suns are the clear-cut better team here — even with their own injury issues — and will get the job done tonight.
"Although taking the Suns on the spread is perfectly acceptable, I'm going with them on the moneyline as the best bet.
"Bet: Suns ML (+102)"
DraftKings Puts Stock in Ayton
Chinmay Vaidya: "With both Devin Booker and Landry Shamet out Wednesday, Ayton put up 31 points. The Suns got demolished but the big man had a strong showing. He’ll be asked to keep doing more offensively with Booker and Shamet out again Friday. Back Ayton to cross this threshold with ease despite a tricky matchup with the Raptors.
"Deandre Ayton over 21.5 points vs. Raptors (-125)"
