It’s been a hot minute since we saw the Lakers play a game. JJ Redick’s men are back out there on Sunday, for the first time since their big win over Milwaukee on Wednesday. Austin Reaves has been ruled out with a heel injury, so it’ll once again be up to Luka Doncic and his heroics to keep the Lakers above water. Phoenix has been a tough match-up in recent meetings, LA did win the most recent meetings, but they are just 3-4 SU in the last 7 games head-to-head. They do have one distinct advantage coming into this game and that is at the center position with Walker Kessler.
The Suns did make a line-up change a few games ago and it has resulted in 4 wins in their last 5 games. Devin Booker has been playing extremely well, he’s averaging 28.6 ppg in 8 home games this season, while in his last 5 outings he’s scored at least 30 in 3 games overall. Three-point shooting is something the Lakers will have to keep an eye on here – Phoenix is shooting 39.3% from downtown in their last 3 games, an improvement of 2.4% compared to their season average. This is one of those games where we will notice the absence of Mark Williams, without his presence down low the Suns lose a fair bit of size and depth around the basket.
The Booker vs Doncic and Brooks vs Doncic rivalries have been well documented over the years, you just know those two will try to outgun the Slovenian here. As much as I like the Lakers’ so far this season, the absence of Reaves and Luka already being on a bummed ankle, I’m just not sure a one man show can bet a very solid Suns team that’s 4-1 SU in 5 games. I’ll take my chances with the home team in this one.
LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction: Suns +2.5 (+106) is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
