Toronto Raptors (23-39, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (36-26, sixth in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix hosts the Toronto Raptors after the Phoenix Suns’ 117-107 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns went 20-13 at home. Phoenix ranks seventh in the Western Conference in rebounding with 44.0 rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic leads the Suns with 10.7 rebounds.
The Raptors went 10-20 away. Toronto ranks fourth in the NBA with 54.6 points per game in the paint led by RJ Barrett averaging 12.9.
The Suns have averaged 12.0 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 fewer per game than the Raptors allow (13.5). The Raptors are shooting 47.5% from the field, which is 1.2% higher than the 46.3% of the Suns’ opponents this season.
The teams are facing each other for the second time this season. The Raptors won the last game 112-105 on November 30, with Scottie Barnes scoring 23 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nurkic is averaging 11.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Suns. Kevin Durant is averaging 25.9 points over the last 10 games.
Kelly Olynyk scores 8.1 points per game and averages 5.1 rebounds for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley has averaged 3.2 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 5-5, averaging 115.0 points, 48.5 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 8.1 steals and 7.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% since field. Their opponents average 113.6 points per game.
Raptors: 4-6, averaging 113.2 points, 46.1 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents average 120.5 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Jusuf Nurkic: day to day (calf), Devin Booker: out (ankle), Damion Lee: out (knee), Josh Okogie: out (hip), Nassir Little: out (knee).
Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: out (finger), Bruce Brown: out (knee), Scottie Barnes: out (hand).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data logging and the data of Sports radar.
