Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns

(11-2)                                (9-5)

Preview: These teams are both coming into this game on a four-game win streak and look to improve that as they face off in Toronto. The Raptors are up 1.5 games in the East for 1st place, ahead of the Wizards, while the Suns are 3 games out of first sitting in 7th place in a tough Western Conference. This is going to be a primarily offensive minded game as the Raptors score the 2^nd most points per game and the Suns score the 4^th most. DeMar DeRozan has looked really strong this year on the offensive end, 20 PPG, and if he is able to take over this game, it could be over really quick. However, the Phoenix bench has looked very strong and could outlast Toronto as the Suns tend to take Gerald Green and Isaiah Thomas, who combined for 39 points last game, off the bench and use them for their own advantage against the other teams’ reserves.

Prediction: I think that the Raptors will end up winning this game in a very high-scoring one, solely because the Suns allow the 23^rd most points per game and their defense will be no match for a very strong Toronto offense.

Points Per Game Leaders:

TOR – DeMar DeRozan (20.0 PPG) PHX – Isaiah Thomas (15.4 PPG)

Rebounds Per Game Leaders:

TOR – Jonas Valanciunas (7.8 RPG) PHX – Miles Plumlee (6.5 RPG)

Assists Per Game Leaders:

TOR – Kyle Lowry (6.0 APG) PHX – Eric Bledsoe (5.5 APG)