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Horse Racing Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview And Expert Tip: Best Value Pick Lakers Hope to Break the Spell
The Los Angeles Lakers will hope to get back on track when they face Phoenix Suns, a side who they have yet to defeat at the Footprint Center in their last 5 attempts. Can the Californian side break the jinx?
Our basketball expert Agbeniga Ayobami has her pick for the clash, and if you are looking for more free NBA picks, visit our Expert Insights section.
In this article:
- Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Expert Tip
- Phoenix Suns Stats & Form
- Los Angeles Lakers Stats & Form
- Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers H2H
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Expert Tip
The Los Angeles Lakers are encountering defensive challenges this season, allowing an average of 120.3 points per game. In their recent matchup against the Rockets, the Lakers struggled to contain their opponents, allowing a high shooting percentage both from the field (54.8%) and beyond the arc (42.4%). With an overall defensive rating ranking them third-lowest in the NBA (106.4 points per 100 possessions), the Lakers face an uphill battle to contain opponents and secure wins.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns, while not without flaws, present a more stable and effective defensive unit. The Suns’ overall defensive performance, especially at home, contributes to their recent success against the Lakers, having won the last five head-to-head meetings on their home court. Additionally, the return of Bradley Beal to the Suns’ lineup adds offensive firepower, making them a formidable force, especially when fully healthy.
Considering the current struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers and the historical success of the Phoenix Suns in recent matchups, the Suns emerge as favourites in the upcoming game. The combination of defensive stability and offensive firepower positions the Suns well to extend their winning streak against the Lakers. We’re backing the Suns against the spread.
Phoenix Suns Stats & Form
The Phoenix Suns currently hold a 4-4 record after eight games into the new NBA season, experiencing some challenges due to injury issues. In their last game, the Suns secured a close 116-115 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls, marking their second consecutive win after defeating the Detroit Pistons 120-106, with Kevin Durant delivering a remarkable 41-point performance in that game.
Grayson Allen played a pivotal role for the Suns against the Bulls, contributing 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Durant continued to showcase his scoring prowess with 25 points and nine assists, while Jusuf Nurkic recorded a double-double with 20 points and 17 boards. Bradley Beal, in his debut as a Sun, added 13 points. Despite the win, Phoenix faced challenges, shooting 42.2% from the field and committing 22 turnovers.
In their recent victories, the Suns have averaged 118 points per game, showcasing an offensive prowess that contributes to their overall season average of 112.5 points. The team has demonstrated efficiency with 46.3% shooting from the field and a 36.2% success rate from three-point range. Kevin Durant has been the offensive leader, averaging 29.2 points per game, making him the fifth-highest scorer in the NBA. Durant has also been a versatile contributor with rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
The Suns, however, continue to be without Devin Booker, who has missed the last three games due to a right calf strain. Despite this absence, Bradley Beal made a significant impact in his debut against the Bulls. With Beal’s return and the impressive performances of players like Allen and Nurkic, the Suns aim to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.
Los Angeles Lakers Stats & Form
The Los Angeles Lakers currently find themselves with a 3-5 record, grappling with challenges that have led to a three-game losing streak. In their recent defeat to the Houston Rockets (128-94), the Lakers struggled on both sides of the floor. The Rockets dominated the game, and the Lakers shot only 42.9% from the field, including a subpar 7-for-25 from beyond the arc. Rui Hachimura emerged as a notable performer for the Lakers, contributing 24 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while D’Angelo Russell added 22 points, four assists, and three blocks. Christian Wood, however, had a scoreless outing in 22 minutes on the floor.
Anthony Davis, who leads the league with 3.3 blocks per game, missed the Lakers’ last game due to groin spasms. His absence raises concerns about the team’s defensive stability, as Davis has been a key contributor, averaging 23.9 points and 12 rebounds per game. The uncertainty surrounding Davis’s status adds to the Lakers’ challenges.
Offensively, the Lakers have struggled in their recent road games, averaging just 100.7 points per game in the last three outings. With an overall season average of 109 points per game, the Lakers rank 21st in the NBA. Their shooting percentages, including 47.1% from the field and a league-worst 29.6% from three-point range, highlight their offensive struggles. LeBron James leads the team with 24.4 points per game on an efficient 55.9% shooting.
The Lakers’ depth will be tested, especially in the absence of key players like Anthony Davis and with Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jalen Hood-Schifino also unavailable. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the Lakers to reverse their recent setbacks and regain momentum in the season.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers H2H
The historical games between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns in the regular season span 264 games, with the Lakers holding a favourable record of 149 victories compared to the Suns’ 115 wins. Despite the Lakers’ overall dominance, the Suns have found success in recent head-to-head meetings on their home court, securing victories in the last five encounters against the Lakers.
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