Los Angeles Lakers (5-10) are trying to climb their way out of the basement, as they’ve won three straight games despite being without LeBron James.
The Phoenix Suns (10-6) still remain the second seed in the Western Conference despite going just 5-5 in their last ten games. The Lakers vs Suns prediction will almost certainly favor the Suns on NBA picks today.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Odds
The Lakers vs Suns prediction has the Suns favored with a -7.5 spread on NBA odds today, which is right around where you’d expect.
Something to consider is that the Lakers have won three straight games, as Anthony Davis seems to have found new life despite being without LeBron James.
If LeBron returns to the Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup tonight, can AD and company keep it rolling?
Matchup Information
- Date and Time: November 22, 2022, 10:00 pm
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Venue: Footprint Center
- How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
Anthony Davis has been putting up tremendous NBA player stats over his last three games, as he’s averaging 35.0 points, 17.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game.
That is the dominant AD that Laker fans have been waiting to see since they last won their championship during the 2019-20 season.
Lakers’ Offense
Davis seems to really be capitalizing on touches near the rim and shooting in the mid-range, as the Lakers’ offense is really starting to run through him.
Any team that LeBron is on will always be better with him than without, but there is a case to be made that AD and LeBron aren’t necessarily the best fit together as a duo.
Russell Westbrook has bought into his newfound role as a spark plug off the bench, which gives him the opportunity to have the ball in his hands more like he became accustomed to during his prime years, as he won an MVP back during the 2016-17 season.
The Lakers are still one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, but if they can make a commitment to getting AD the ball in his spots down on the block and weaponizing his mid-range game rather than making him a catch-and-shoot specialist, that should go a long way in mitigating that fatal flaw in their offense.
Suns’ NBA Team Stats
The Suns NBA team stats really benefited from the play of Devin Booker, as he has proven that he can be their primary bucket-getter who can control the flow of the offense, and if one too many defenders get in his way, he is then capable of finding his teammates.
Booker had a 49-point game just two games ago, but the Suns fell to the Utah Jazz by just one point. Booker added ten assists and eight rebounds.
Chris Paul has been missing in action recently as he’s dealing with a heel injury. As a result, the Suns have struggled down the stretch of games, as his veteran leadership and playmaking is so sorely missed.
CP3’s Absence
Cameron Payne has stepped up in CP3’s absence, as he’s averaged 20.2 points and 6.3 assists per game.
The numbers look good, but CP3 is one of the best floor generals of all time, so having that experience missing from the lineup can be a tough blow.
This should be one of the more exciting NBA matchups on the NBA schedule today, and if LeBron returns, it could be a good opportunity for the group to find chemistry together.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
When it comes to Lakers vs Suns Prediction, it may be safer to lean towards the Suns, but if you consider just how much the Suns have struggled recently without CP3 and how AD has reverted back to his superstar self, for now, there is a real shot the Lakers could surprise their division rivals on the road.
NBA Pick: Lakers (+250)
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