Two Top-Tier Western Conference Go Up Against Each Other - Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers- 10/26

As this game features two of the most star-studded rosters in the NBA, the Suns and Lakers could be an early postseason preview. This game will be played on Saturday, October 26th at 7:30 A.M. IST in the Crypto.com arena. Below are our odds, predictions, and betting tips for the game. 

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
 

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Match Preview 

As the Phoenix Suns opened up their season against the Los Angeles Clippers, their defense still didn’t play up to par that coach Mike Budenholzer would like. With that being their weakest link, getting that fixed once again could propel this team into a top 4-5 contender in the NBA. With Kevin Durant, 25 points and 7 rebounds, leading the way as an extremely skilled scorer, he continued dominating the pull-up game in his season opener against the Clippers. Great news occurred when the Suns realized that Bradley Beal, 24 points, still had the Washington Wizards scoring form in him after dealing with a slew of injuries. Although Devin Booker, shot 80% from three and had a very efficient night looking at his field goal stats, the biggest issue was that he didn’t take enough shots for his skill level. With Tyus Jones, 11 points with 8 assists, finally controlling the floor as the primary ball-handler, he looked like the only positive on the defensive end. His two steals came at a crucial time, but Royce O’Neal, with 5 rebounds in 24 minutes, was quite disappointing in his first full season with Phoenix. If he and Grayson Allen can get it together on defense, this Suns squad can get over the top. 

On the other side, J.J. Reddick had a fantastic debut as the Laker's new head coach with an emphasis on causing turnovers and crashing the boards. Forcing the Timberwolves to 16 turnovers, their defense looked very alert for the most part except for the 3 minutes Bronny James was there. As Rui Hachimura, 18 points, really has turned into the third scorer on this roster, he helped the Lakers in transition and on 2nd chance opportunities. Anthony Davis, with 36 points and 16 rebounds, had another superstar-like performance on both ends of the floor as he controlled the boards in his season opener. Seeing Austin Reaves, 9 rebounds, and being a big member of the 2nd chance opportunities was a big deal as he looks like an all-around role player the Lakers were missing last season. If Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht can add to Lebron’s 16-point, 5-rebounds, and 4-assist performance, the Lakers could end up making out of the first round. 

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups 

Phoenix Suns Starting 5 - Tyus Jones(PG), Devin Booker(SG), Bradley Beal(SF), Kevin Durant(PF), Jusuf Nurkic(C)

Bench- Grayson Allen(SG/SF), Royce O’Neal(SG/SF), Mason Plumlee(C), Monte Morris(PG), Josh Okgoie(SG/SF), Bol Bol(PF/C), Oso Ighodaro(PF/C), Ryan Dunn(PF), Damion Lee(SG/SF)

Los Angeles Lakers Starting 5 -D’Angelo Russell(PG), Austin Reaves(SG), Rui Hachimura(SF), Lebron James(PF), Anthony Davis(C)

Bench - Gabe Vincent(PG), Max Christie(SG), Dalton Knecht(SF, SG), Jaxson Hayes(C/PF), Bronny James(PG), Cam Reddish(SF/SG), Maxwell Lewis(PF), Jalen Hood-Schifino(PG)

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Tips

Total Match Points Over 229 - With the Lakers and Suns now having strengths in the offensive game in different styles, the plays their coaches draw up will help each team get their best chance at the hoop. With their last regular season game combining for 236 points, the key additions and systems will allow both teams to put up more points.

Total Points in the First Half Over 114.5- As the Suns head into this matchup being a top 5 unit scoring-wise during the first half play at 59.8 points, the Lakers were amongst all teams. Knowing this plus the fact that their last regular season matchup went to 135 points, there should be an anticipation for a similar amount.  

Lakers Score Over 107 Points During Whole Game- With the Lakers playing a style of offense that can completely dismantle the Suns' defense, they will have a chance to go over 105 after hitting it in 3 of their previous 4 matchups. Given that J.J. Reddick could do it against a Timberwolves defense, they should have extreme confidence on that side of the ball in this game.

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Match Prediction

As we look at both these squads, the Lakers have shown their ability to play defense and fight for extra positions, unlike the Suns. Combined with the fact that they won 3 of 5 games against the Suns, Los Angeles has a clear advantage heading into this matchup. Seeing D’Angelo Russell at point guard might be their biggest weakness as the Suns can easily dominate that matchup through Tyus Jones's defense. But, the lack of support in the middle with Anthony Davis having an ability to easily manhandle a weaker defender in Jusuf Nurkic, this matchup could easily tear the game apart. Seeing the growth of Rui Hachimura as an aggressive defender and someone who loves running down the lane, he can get some stops on Kevin Durant while also causing him to get into foul trouble early. But, the Suns could change the way this matchup goes if Bradley Beal completely out-dominates Austin Reaves. 

Our Prediction- Los Angeles Lakers to Win!