NBA

LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction 10-25-24 NBA Picks

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2m ago

Oct 26, 2024 / 9471 Views

Evan Walker

Phoenix Suns (1-0) vs. LA Lakers (1-0)
October 25, 2024 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: LA Lakers -1.5; Over/Under: +228.5
(Get latest betting odds)

The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Phoenix Suns at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. Here’s an LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction. This article will include an LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Pick.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns will be gunning for a second straight win to start the season after outlasting the Clippers in a thrilling 116-113 overtime road win on Wednesday. Kevin Durant led the team with 25 points and seven rebounds, Bradley Beal added 24 points on eight of 12 shooting while Devin Booker chipped in with 15 points and six assists. As a team, the Suns shot 48 percent from the field and 15 of 38 from the 3-point line as they pulled away in overtime after Kevin Durant drained the clutch shot at the end of the fourth quarter to extend the game. The Suns will meet the Mavs, Lakers, Clippers, and Trail Blazers after this game.

Los Angeles Lakers

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers will be feeling pretty good after they took down the Timberwolves in a solid 110-103 home win on Tuesday. Anthony Davis led the team with 36 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks, Rui Hachimura provided the early spark and finished with 18 points while LeBron James chipped in with 16 points, four assists, and two blocks. As a team, the Lakers shot 44 percent from the field and just five of 30 from the 3-point line, but they played great defense to hold the Timberwolves to just 19 points in the second quarter where they led by as many as 19 points. The Lakers’ poor shooting from behind the arc allowed the Timberwolves back into the contest, but they were never truly threatened the rest of the way. The Lakers will face the Kings, Suns, and Cavs following this one.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win

The favorites have won each of the Suns’ last 13 games at Crypto.com Arena.
The Suns have lost each of their last seven road games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
The Suns have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven road games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last seven Friday games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.

Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts

LeBron James ranks 1st in the league for fast break points (8) this season.
Anthony Davis ranks T2nd amongst qualified players for points per game (36.0) this season.

Phoenix Suns Player Facts

Kevin Durant ranks T4th amongst qualified players for steals per game (3.0) this season.
Tyus Jones ranks T8th amongst qualified players for assists per game (8.0) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent assists per game this season (17.0).
The Lakers rank T1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (1.0).
The Suns rank T1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (1.0).
The Suns rank T1st in the league for opponent turnovers per game this season (22.0).

LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction

The Suns are still slightly shorthanded with Josh Okogie still ruled out, while the Lakers are still without Christian Wood and Christian Koloko. The Suns would’ve taken plenty of confidence from their overtime win over the Clippers, but it was against a shorthanded Clippers team missing their best player. The Lakers should’ve done better to put away the Grizzlies in their last game, but they are almost completely healthy and haven’t played since Tuesday. You can make an argument for either side here, but I think the Lakers represent decent value as the slight favorites at home.