The Los Angeles Lakers (1-0) welcome the Phoenix Suns (1-0) to Crypto.com Arena Friday. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Suns vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; L.A. won 3-2 last season
The Lakers, who went 2-4 straight up and against the spread (ATS) in the preseason, beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103 to kick off the NBA season Tuesday. They covered as 1-point home favorites. C Anthony Davis led the way with 36 points and shot 11 of 23 from the field for the Lakers. Los Angeles shot just 5 of 30 from deep.
The Suns went 3-2 straight up and ATS in the preseason, including 1-1 straight up and ATS against the Lakers. Phoenix opened its season with a 116-113 OT win at the LA Clippers Wednesday, closing as a 5-point favorite. Phoenix was led by F Kevin Durant and G Bradley Beal, who combined for 49 points Wednesday.
Suns at Lakers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 8:32 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Suns +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Lakers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Suns +2.5 (-115) | Lakers -2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Suns at Lakers key injuries
Suns
- G Grayson Allen (Achilles) probable
- G Bradley Beal (shoulder) probable
- F Josh Okogie (hamstring) out
Lakers
- F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) out
- C Christian Wood (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Suns at Lakers picks and predictions
Prediction
Suns 119, Lakers 115
Moneyline
BET SUNS (+105).
The Suns may finally be putting it together, a year after the superteam was assembled. The star power is there, and even G Devin Booker was 4 of 5 from deep Wednesday. They should be able to be more efficient than the Wolves were against the Lakers in the opener, shooting just 41% from the field and 32% from deep.
The Suns eclipsed both those Wednesday. The Lakers have a comPetent offense but won’t be able to miss 25 threes and come out with a 7-point victory. Expect this to be a tougher matchup and the Suns’ offensive firepower to shine. Take SUNS (+105).
Against the spread
PASS.
While the spread is enticing, the odds seem better on the moneyline, especially for the plus-money value the Suns have. Even if one is considering the Lakers, the moneyline is the better play.
Over/Under
BET OVER 225.5 (-105).
While the Lakers managed just 5 triples Tuesday, there was no lack of effort, and they should continue to hoist up shots from deep. L.A. ended with 95 field-goal attempts and just 7 turnovers. It should be able to push the play and continue playing efficient offense.
The shots should have a better chance of falling. The Suns, on their end, had 22 turnovers and should be able to clean that up as well. Expect both teams to showcase their offense, and take OVER 225.5 (-105).
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