Phoenix looks to bounce back against Toronto after a tough loss and multiple injuries.
Category: Sports
The Phoenix Suns will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center, hoping to snap a five-game losing streak. The game is set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. MST and will be broadcast on Arizona's Family 3TV and Arizona's Family Sports, with radio coverage on 98.7 Arizona's Sports Radio Station and KSUN La Mejor 1400 AM/106.5 FM.
After a disappointing 108-105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on March 21, the Suns (39-32) are searching for answers. Coach Jordan Ott emphasized the need for his team to regroup and find their energy, stating, "The team that's coming here does not care. So we’ve got to find the juice, find the energy. Anyone we put into the game, lace them up, go out there, give all that you can do. Kind of play to our identity and see what happens." The Suns have struggled recently, blowing fourth-quarter leads four times during their losing streak.
The Raptors (39-30), currently sitting fifth place within the Eastern Conference, enter the game with a recent win against the Suns fresh on their minds. The teams faced off just over a week ago, with Toronto claiming victory 122-115, powered by Brandon Ingram's 36 points. The Raptors are also seeking to bounce back after a loss to the Denver Nuggets, which snapped a three-game winning streak.
Key players for the Suns include Jalen Green, who scored 24 points against the Bucks, and Devin Booker, who added 14 points along with 7 assists and 4 rebounds. The Suns will be without several key players due to injuries, including Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, Amir Coffey, Haywood Highsmith, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams. O'Neale, who has missed the last two games due to left knee soreness, was listed doubtful prior to the game, but he will not be available. Coach Ott noted O'Neale's importance to the team, highlighting his rebounding, leadership, and spacing abilities.
On the Raptors' side, they are led by Brandon Ingram, who averages 21.8 points per game, and Scottie Barnes, contributing 18.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. The Raptors will be without rookie Colling Murray-Boyles, who is sidelined with a left thumb sprain.
The Suns are currently ranked 26th for scoring, averaging 112.1 points per game, and 17th for offensive rating. Their defensive rating is stronger, allowing an average of 111.2 points per game, which ranks sixth-best. Meanwhile, the Raptors are 8th for points allowed and 7th for defensive rating, making them a formidable opponent.
With the Suns struggling, they are four games back of the sixth seed, and with just 11 games remaining, they need to find a way to get healthy and secure wins. Coach Ott expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "If you look at our injury report, there's a lot of size on our injury report. We need all of those things at this point." The Suns have also made headlines with their three-point shooting, ranking 10th league-wide, but their recent offensive struggles have raised questions about their ability to compete effectively.
The Raptors are currently favored by 3.5 points for the matchup, with odds of -162 for a Toronto win and +136 for a Phoenix victory. The total points for the game are set at 219.5. With both teams needing a win to solidify their playoff positions, the stakes could not be higher. The Suns hope to leverage their home-court advantage to end their losing streak and regain momentum.
Fans attending the game can expect to see the Suns don their Icon Edition (purple) jerseys, contrasting with the Raptors' Association Edition (white). With the playoff race heating up, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Regardless of the outcome, the game will be a test of resilience for the Suns, who have faced adversity this season. The Raptors, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on their recent success against Phoenix and maintain their playoff position.
Both teams are aware of the significance of this matchup, and with playoff aspirations on the line, fans can expect a competitive game filled with intensity and excitement.