Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 11/01/2024, 09:50  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers will play host to the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena in the NBA on Thursday night. The hosts are 19-19 and ninth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 19-18 and currently in eighth place. 

The Phoenix Suns have seen a notable dip in form, losing three of their last four games, including a big 138-111 road defeat to the Clippers. Kevin Durant led the team with 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting, and Devin Booker added 20 points. The Suns currently rank as the NBA's 16th-ranked offense, scoring 115.2 points per game, while the Los Angeles Clippers are the 16th-ranked defense, allowing 115.1 points per game. Defensively, the Suns are allowing 114.5 points per contest, placing them 14th in the NBA. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, Phoenix are scoring four more points per game at home (116.9) than on the road (112.9). The visitors are heading into this match with several potential absentees, including Damion Lee, Nassir Little, Bol Bol and Udoka Azubuike, all flagged as injury doubts. 

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been far from impressive recently but are now aiming for a third consecutive win, following a 132-131 home victory over the Raptors. Anthony Davis had a standout performance, leading the team with 41 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists on 13-of-17 shooting, while LeBron James added 22 points with 12 assists. Offensively, the Lakers average 114 points per game, just 0.5 points fewer than the average points allowed by the Phoenix Suns (114.5). Defensively, Los Angeles allows 115.1 points per game, ranking 16th in the NBA. Notably, the Lakers have performed better offensively at home than on the road in the 2023-24 season (114.9 at home versus 113.1 on the road), and they have conceded fewer points at home compared to away games (109.7 opponent points per home game versus 120.4 on the road). Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Cam Reddish are likely to miss the upcoming match due to injury.