Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns betting tips and predictions for Friday’s NBA game on NBA TV. In what could be a Western Conference finals match-up down the line, the Lakers and Suns will square off for the 4th and final time this regular season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Los Angeles Lakers
Losing that game to the Clippers 125-118 was a tough pill to swallow for LeBron James and co. as it pretty much shut down the door of the Lakers finishing in the top 6. They now have to hope for the Warriors to lose at Sacramento tonight, if they beat the Suns at home in this game.
LA did win the most recent meeting between the two teams 122-111 back on March 23rd, however there was still no Kevin Durant back in the line-up for the Suns. LA is also under pressure by the New Orleans Pelicans who are right behind them, so winning will be crucial to keep hold of the 7th seed and have home court advantage in the play-in tournament game against them.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is only 1 of the 2 teams in the Western Conference playoff race whose season ending position we know. Last night’s win over Denver wrapped up the 4th seed, and with tonight’s game being a 2nd night of a back-to-back they are expected to rest all their main guys here which would explain why they are 7-point underdogs.
They are yet to lose a game with Kevin Durant in the line-up, so come playoff time they are expected to be one of the main contenders for the title. They’ve beaten the Lakers 9 times in the last 10 meetings, while also covering the spread in 8 of those games. Right now they’re on a 7-game win streak, but all those records are in trouble if they field a weakened line-up here.
I’m expecting the Lakers to play both LeBron James and Anthony Davis here, but if this is a blowout their minutes could be down as both just played 2 games in 2 nights. LA has been on the raise ever since the trade deadline, I fancy their chances here.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Predictions & Odds
Even though they got Kevin Durant, the Suns have really prided themselves into playing really solid defense ever since the trade deadline. Same applies to the Lakers who have the best defensive rating since getting rid of Russell Westbrook. The under has now cashed in 10 of their last 13 games at home, so I think it’s safe to say their defensive effort will be up to the level here.
The previous 10 meetings between these two teams has gone 4-6 on the O/U with an average of just 219.2 points scored. Without Booker, Durant, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton the Suns are resting about 80 points per game, plus their main point guard who is the catalyst of their offense. I would be surprised if the Suns scored 100 points here, so let’s take a chance on the under.
