Los Angeles Lakers (30-26) vs. Phoenix Suns (33-22)
As the NBA season progresses, the clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday is poised to be a highlight for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike. With the Lakers and Suns both showing strong performances this season, this matchup at the Footprint Center is not just a regular game but a potential preview of a playoff battle. Fans and bettors tuning in via ABC or looking to place their bets through the best online casino platforms are in for a treat as both teams vie for a crucial win to bolster their standings.
Looking closer at the Lakers, their key strength is interior scoring. Led by Anthony Davis putting up 24.9 points per game, the Lakers average 49.4% shooting overall. Davis is a matchup nightmare capable of scoring from all levels. However, Los Angeles does have weaknesses like mediocre 37% three-point shooting. That could hurt them against a Suns team allowing the fewest points in the NBA. Still, if Davis dominates the paint Sunday, the Lakers have a chance to overcome their shooting issues.
As for Phoenix, they too have been excelling with the 6th best offensive rating in basketball. Small forward Kevin Durant is leading the charge, averaging 28.2 points on nearly 50% shooting. With great floor spacing and ball movement, the Suns have 6 players averaging double figures in scoring as well. Interior defense seems to be their only major weakness, an area the Lakers could exploit.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Game Info
| When: | Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Footprint Center |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anthony Davis (PF) vs. Kevin Durant (PF)
Lakers’ Anthony Davis has played in 52 games with 52 starts, averaging 35.7 minutes, 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.5 blocks per game. He’s scoring efficiently with a good assist to turnover ratio. Davis excels at scoring inside and rebounding, averaging 3 offensive boards and 9.1 defensive boards per game. His shot blocking presence could bother Durant.
Suns’ Kevin Durant has started all 48 games played, averaging 37 minutes, 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 blocks. He’s also scoring efficiently with strong assist numbers and few turnovers. Though not a standout rebounder, Durant can still contribute on the boards. His versatility as a scorer could challenge the Lakers defense at all three levels.
Both Davis and Durant are playing at an All-Star level for their teams. With Davis dominating the paint and Durant a dynamic shooter, this matchup should bring plenty of fireworks. Their individual battle could swing the game for either side. Expect big stat lines and high impact from the two superstar forwards facing off.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, the matchup presents an intriguing proposition for bettors. The recent form and head-to-head records suggest a closely contested battle, making the point spread and moneyline bets all the more compelling.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have gone 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS over their last 5 games. They are 12-16 ATS in road games this season. Totals have gone OVER in 3 of the Lakers’ last 5 overall and in 11 of their last 29 road games. This indicates the Lakers are covering more recently but still struggle to cover on the road, while scoring enough to push overs.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
The Suns are 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS over their previous 5 contests. They sport a 13-13 home ATS record this season. Phoenix has seen totals go OVER 2 times in its last 5 matches and 16 times in 29 home games in 2023-24. This shows the Suns are hot ATS lately and score/allow enough to hit overs frequently at home.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns 2/25/24 Betting Picks
Based on recent trends and analysis, this game looks likely to be closely contested, with potential momentum shifts between Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant likely being decisive in shaping its course and outcome. Due to their slight advantage in offensive efficiency and home court advantage, perhaps the Suns are a safer choice; although Lakers should not be underestimated.
In terms of NBA picks today, while keeping an eye on the official betting odds upon release, a prediction leaning towards a Suns victory seems reasonable. The game is expected to be high-scoring, making the over a tempting option if the total is set at a reachable figure.
