The Los Angeles Lakers (31-27) travel to the Phoenix Suns (33-24) for an early Sunday afternoon matchup. While the two sides are eighth and ninth respectively, four and a half games separate them in the standings. However, the visitors won four of their last five games.
Meanwhile, the hosts lost two straight games. This also includes their most recent letdown performance against the Houston Rockets. Therefore, the home team wants to get things back on track.
But do you see this game coming down to the wire, or will one side control things from tip-off?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +4 -110 |
O 237.5 -110 |
+145 |
| Phoenix Suns | -4 -110 |
U 237.5 -110 |
-175 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportBook** | |||
Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns
Date And Time: February 25, 2024 @ 3:30 p.m. EST
Location: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers (Averages)
Points: 117.0
Points Allowed: 117.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.3/87.6 for 49.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.3/30.7 for 36.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.0/24.6 for 77.4%
Rebounds: 8.3 Offensive, 34.5 Defensive, 42.7 Combined
Assists: 28.5
Steals: 7.8
Blocks: 5.7
Turnovers: 13.2
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.0/93.4 for 47.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 14.2/37.8 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.1/18.9 for 79.8%
Rebounds Against: 11.1 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.5 Combined
The Lakers pose a threat in the playoffs, but they need to position themselves better heading into post-season play. It’s hard to see the Los Angeles Lakers falling below the 10-seed, but just making the tournament is not good enough. Especially with two of the top NBA players, you’d like to see them climb the standings more barring health issues. Although there is plenty of talent and help from the supporting cast, keeping pace and beating the Phoenix Suns would be a good way to cement a playoff path.
LeBron James vs Spurs
30 PTS
7 REB
9 AST
13/22 FG
+21 in 34 minutes#LakeShow W pic.twitter.com/U99HwxdSWC— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) February 24, 2024
Los Angeles needs to build off their latest performance against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite playing on a back-to-back they outlasted their opponents through a 30-point effort from LeBron James. However, James missed the previous game and is listed as questionable with his ankle injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers hope D’Angelo Russell can continue to play well. He comes off a 22-point game. But he provided 6 assists while only turning the ball over once. Finally, Anthony Davis needs to play at an All-Star level, particularly if James needs to rest again with his injury concern. But the former Kentucky Wildcats product scored 28 points and rebounded 13 times. He needs to keep that performance level up.
Phoenix Suns (Averages)
Points: 117.4
Points Allowed: 114.5
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.5/85.7 for 49.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.9/31.5 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 20.4/25.3 for 80.8%
Rebounds: 9.9 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 43.5 Combined
Assists: 26.6
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 6.1
Turnovers: 14.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 42.2/90.8 for 46.5%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.1/35.9 for 36.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 16.9/22.1 for 76.7%
Rebounds Against: 11.5 Offensive, 29.9 Defensive, 41.4 Combined
Phoenix underperforms when you consider the roster acquisition over the years. However, it is a tight race in the West. But sitting eighth while looking up at teams with less talent is lower than pre-season expectations. But they are only six and a half games out of first. Therefore, a strong end to the regular season can see them closer to the top. But it needs to start at home against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Devin Booker’s highlights from last nights game against the Mavs.
Pure Buckets😮💨‼️ pic.twitter.com/qFqgk9hGbm
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) February 23, 2024
Tonight’s game is a good litmus test. While a loss or ugly win doesn’t define a season, there’s an overall feeling of needing to increase their level of play. However, their two stars get themselves going on offense. Devin Booker averages 27.6 points per game. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant gives his team 28.1 points per night. But with so many touches and shots going to these two, it’s been hard for a consistent third-scoring option to be able to get into a rhythm. This is something to watch as they play the Los Angeles Lakers.
Game Prediction
This should be a good game. Both sides understand how important a win is here. Additionally, both teams have a couple of days off after Sunday. Therefore you can expect both to give this gave a full go at full force. But I see the visitors making things interesting. While the Phoenix Suns may win, the Los Angeles Lakers will cover.
Additionally, the over is the play here. This game easily could see both sides scoring over 120 points. Neither side is particularly strong on defense. Especially if the stars show out, then the Over shouldn’t be an issue between these two sides. A low-scoring game between the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers at this point in the season would be something of a surprise.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Lakers +4 and Over 237.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
