The Phoenix Suns pay a visit to the Crypto.com Arena to do battle with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Here’s a Lakers vs. Suns Prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs. Suns Pick.
Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
The Phoenix Suns have been in decent shape as they’ve split their last eight games and they will be eager to build some momentum after sneaking past the Mavericks in a 112-107 home win on Wednesday. Devin Booker led the team with 37 points and nine assists on 13 of 27 shooting; Dillon Brooks added 28 points on 11 of 22 shooting, while Royce O’Neale chipped in with 14 points off the bench. As a team, the Suns shot 46 percent from the field and 14 of 35 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in trouble after squandering an 18-point lead, but they regrouped and were able to go on a final run late in the contest to earn the narrow win at home.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in great form as they’ve won 14 of their last 18 games overall and they will be looking to stay hot after snapping a three-game slide with a 119-103 road win over the Warriors last night. LeBron James led the team with 26 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists; Deandre Ayton added 21 points on nine of 11 shooting, while Jake LaRavia chipped in with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists on six of seven shooting. As a team, the Lakers shot a sizzling 61 percent from the field and 16 of 29 from the 3-point line as they wrestled with the Warriors in a closely contested first half before they clicked into gear and exploded for 66 points in the second half to make it look easy in the end.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last nine home games following a win.
- The Suns have lost each of their last seven road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last seven games against Pacific Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games.
Why the Phoenix Suns will win
- The Suns have won each of their last 11 games as road favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Lakers have lost 14 of their last 15 games when playing with a rest disadvantage against the Suns.
- The Suns have covered the spread in each of their last nine games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage against the Suns.
Total Points: Facts
- Six of the Suns’ last seven night games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of the Lakers’ last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luke Kennard ranks 1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (47.7%) this season.
- LeBron James ranks 1st amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (5.7) this season.
Phoenix Suns Player Facts
- Mark Williams ranks 7th amongst qualified players for second-chance points per game (3.3) this season.
- Collin Gillespie ranks 17th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (2.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.5).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (50.2%).
- The Suns have suffered the largest comeback loss when leading through Q3 this season—led by 18 points vs. the Hawks on November 16.
- The Suns rank 30th in the league for Q4 points per game this season (25.9).
Lakers vs Suns Prediction
The Suns are still missing some players with Devin Booker, Jordan Goodwin and Haywood Highsmith out, with Jalen Green listed as questionable, while the Lakers have ruled out Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves again with Marcus Smart listed as questionable. These teams have already clashed four times this season, with the Suns leading the series by 3-1. The Lakers head into this meeting as the team in better form right now, but they are playing their second game of a back-to-back set, which is always tough. This is another game where you should check the lineups before tip-off, but as it stands, I prefer a play on the Suns to get the win and cover on the road.