Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Expert Picks: December 5th Preview, Betting Odds And NBA Picks

The NBA In-Season Tournament is heating up in a big way. The Pacers and Pelicans booked their Las Vegas berths on Monday – Tuesday night is the turn of the Lakers and Suns to see who will take on the Pels in the semi-finals.

Read below for our analysis of Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns from US sports expert Sam Cox. For more free basketball tips, visit the bettingexpert community, and for more expert tips, visit our Expert Insights section.

• Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Pick: Suns Moneyline
• Best odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 3/10

Odds available as of December 5th 2023. Odds may now differ.

In this article:

• LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Expert Picks
• LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Game Info
• LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Trends
• LA Lakers Stats & Form
• Phoenix Suns Stats & Form
• LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Where to Watch
• Safer Gambling

LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS PHOENIX SUNS EXPERT PICKS

The Lakers won by five points when these teams matched up in late October. Phoenix was without Bradley Beal (who is still sidelined) and Devin Booker for that game, however, while Los Angeles was at full strength.

In the group stage of the IST, the Lakers recorded a three-point win. Again, Booker was unavailable for the Suns. The season series was split two wins apiece in 2022-23, but a lot has changed with both rosters since then.

The significance of Booker being available cannot be overstated. The Suns are +9.9 per 100 possessions with Booker on the floor, compared with -2.1 without him. Phoenix are second in adjusted shot quality differential on the season, and look like a true title contender even without Beal.

• Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Pick: Suns moneyline
• Best odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 3/10

Odds available as of December 5th 2023. Odds may now differ.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS PHOENIX SUNS GAME INFO

• Date: Wednesday, December 06
• Time: 03:00 AM (UK time)
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, California

LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS PHOENIX SUNS TRENDS

• The Suns have an adjusted offensive shot quality of 1.2, which is the best mark in the NBA.
• The Lakers are 25th in offensive rating this season, which is the worst of any team with more than seven wins.
• Over the 10 games since Devin Booker returned from injury, the Suns have the fifth-best net rating in the Association.
• Both teams rank in the bottom-10 in assist-to-turnover ratio.
• The Suns and Lakers rank third and fifth respectively in free throw attempts per game.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS STATS & FORM

Forgive us if you’ve heard this before, but poor outside shooting is holding the Lakers back. Los Angeles is 29th in three-point percentage, which is the main reason for their offence ranking 25th.

They are getting to the rim almost at will, however, and they shoot the best percentage in the restricted area. Look for LeBron James, Anthony Davis and co to relentlessly attack Jusuf Nurkic.

There isn’t much to fault about the Lakers’ defence. They are perhaps giving up more threes than they like, but most are above the break.

Most bettors will be assuming James will play despite being questionable, but it is a factor to consider. Anthony Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura also feature on the injury report. Even with their great defence, the Lakers need one of Davis’ efficient offensive games if they are to keep pace with Booker and Durant. Davis has been far too inconsistent on that end of the floor this season.

PHOENIX SUNS STATS & FORM

The Suns’ offence has been as advertised. Devin Booker has seamlessly adapted to playing point guard, and Kevin Durant is once again averaging over 30 points per game. Their depth has been better than expected, with useful contributions up and down the roster. Eric Gordon has been excellent, but he’s questionable for this game with a knee issue.

Phoenix is competing on defence. They are doing a good job on the boards, led by Jusuf Nurkic, and only three teams are allowing threes at a lower rate. Crucially, they are around league average in foul rate, which is going to be important against a Lakers team that loves to attack the basket.

Everything we’ve seen from the Suns thus far justifies their position in NBA winner odds. Booker and Durant are made for nights like this.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS PHOENIX SUNS WHERE TO WATCH

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SAFER GAMBLING

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.