The Toronto Raptors made a few moves during Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, but many were surprised they opted to keep Kyle Lowry, whose contract is set to expire after this season. While it will be interesting to see what the organization does with its long-time star, he’s going to be a Raptor for the rest of the 2020-21 season at the very least.
Toronto’s biggest move of the deadline was dealing Norman Powell, who took advantage of extra scoring opportunities during the team’s COVID-19 outbreak. He was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers and in return, the Raptors added Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. In separate deals, Toronto traded Matt Thomas and Terence Davis for second round picks.
Paul Watson and DeAndre’ Bembry are both OUT for tonight’s game vs Phoenix due to the health and safety protocols. Patrick McCaw also remains out with knee swelling. The new guys, Gary Trent and Rodney Hood, are with the team and expected to be available.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 26, 2021
According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN, Trent and Hood are with the team and are expected to be available to play during the Raptors’ first game since the deadline on Friday, March 26 at home against the Phoenix Suns. This game is set to get started at 7:30 p.m. ET from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida with the Raptors as home underdogs.
Lewenberg also reported Paul Watson and DeAndre’ Bemby will not be available due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, and Patrick McCaw will remain out with a knee injury.
On Phoenix’s injury report, Mikal Bridges is listed as probable with a heel injury, and Abdel Nader is out with an injury to his knee.
The Raptors snapped a nine-game losing streak on Wednesday, March 24 in a 135-111 home win over the Denver Nuggets. It was Toronto’s first victory since Feb. 26 as it improved to 18-26 on the season. The Suns had a three-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday night in a 112-111 road loss to the Orlando Magic. Phoenix dropped to 29-14, three games behind the Utah Jazz for the top spot in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Info
Oddsmakers likely had a tough time deciding how to set the NBA lines for this game as it’s unclear how much Trent and Hood will play in addition to how the loss of Powell will impact this Raptors team. Below is a look at the odds for Friday night’s game including the point spread, point total and moneyline with a look at some of the recent betting trends for each team. Additionally, the Raptors’ futures odds were updated following Thursday’s deadline.
All odds are via a popular United States sportsbook.
Point Spread
The Raptors will enter this game as four-point underdogs at home with -107 odds, while the Suns are getting -114 odds to cover the -4 spread.
Betting Trends: Phoenix is 15-5 against the spread in its last 20 games, while Toronto is 2-5 against the number in its last seven. The Suns are 13-2 against the spread in the last 15 matchups between these two teams.
Point Total
The over/under for Friday night’s game is set at 224.5 with -113 odds toward the over and -109 on the under.
Betting Trends: The total went under in four of Phoenix’s last six games, and the over cashed in eight of Toronto’s last 12.
Moneyline
The Raptors are getting +143 odds to earn a victory as a slight underdog, while the Suns are at -175 to come away with the win as the favorite.
Betting Trends: Phoenix is 15-5 straight up in its last 20 games, and the Raptors are 1-9 on the moneyline in their last 10.
What’s Next?
After Friday night’s game, the Raptors will wrap up a three-game home stand with a game against the Trail Blazers after just completing a trade with the organization. This game will be held on Sunday, March 28 and get started at 7 p.m. ET.
