Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers
Game Info: Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 9:30 pm (Acrisure Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Phoenix Suns -1 / Los Angeles Lakers +1 — Over/Under: 222.5
The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers meet Sunday in NBA preseason action at the Acrisure Arena. Here’s a Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Pick.
Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
The Phoenix Suns won 49 games last season, lost in the first round, and now begin the Mike Budenholzer era. Because this roster is so expensive, the Suns are pretty much the same. A big three of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant will do most of the heavy lifting. Tyus Jones was a nice addition at point guard and can settle things down, while Grayson Allen hopes to build on what was a ridiculous shooting season. The Suns are extremely top-heavy but talented, and if Budenholzer can unlock some things, there’s potential here. If not, the Suns will remain in cap hell with no assets, and it could be a while before they’re able to recover.
The Suns haven’t made the playoffs in five straight years since 2000-01. Budenholzer has won 50-plus games in 4 of his last 5 seasons as head coach.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers lost their preseason opener to the Timberwolves and play the Bucks next. The LA Lakers have lost 16 of their last 19 preseason games. The LA Lakers are averaging 107 points on 48.1 percent shooting and allowing 124 points on 50 percent shooting. Austin Reaves is averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Dalton Knecht is averaging 16 points and 3 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Max Christie is grabbing 7 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and 91.3 percent from the free throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 40.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38 rebounds per game.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
The LA Lakers should have the edge, given they gave a preseason game under their belt to knock the rust off. However, it’s hard to take the Lakers seriously in the preseason as most of their key guys don’t play, and they’ve lost 16 of their last 19 preseason games overall. The Phoenix Suns are breaking in a new coach, and I’d think they’d treat the preseason somewhat seriously, as there’s pressure to make this expensive roster work. I’ll side with the Suns on Sunday night. We’ll keep fading the Lakers in the preseason as long as the losses keep piling up.