Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Point Spread Picks

The Lakers have plenty of star power with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. But they are not a dominant team, ranking 16th in scoring and 19th defensively. Despite not having Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, their two top scorers, the Suns are going to be a tough out here at home in this important Western Conference matchup. Phoenix is the better defensive team, surrendering nearly five fewer points per game than the Lakers. LA has lost two in a row and four of its past six games. The Lakers were embarrassed at home by the Celtics, 111-89, this past Sunday. LA then failed to bounce back, losing to Orlando, 110-109, as a 6.5-point home favorite two days ago. The Magic beat the Lakers despite not having their second-leading scorer, Franz Wagner, or their top assist guy and ace defender, Jalen Suggs. Take the Suns. 

There is optimism that Devin Booker will play for the Suns today. Booker has been out since Dec. 1 due to a groin injury. He has participated in two straight practices and is listed as questionable. Even if Booker does not play, the OVER is the way to go. Booker was injured less than 10 minutes into the game on Dec. 1 after scoring 11 points. That game was the last meeting between the Lakers and the Suns. The Suns still won, 125-108, as a 5.5-point road underdog, and the total went OVER 231.5. Dillon Brooks scored 33 points, and undrafted guard Collin Gillespie put up 28 points. The Lakers’ perimeter defense was a no-show. Defense has been a problem for LA. The Lakers lack the size, speed, and athleticism to stop their opponents, nor do they do a good job of pressuring defenders away from the rim. The Lakers rank 25th defensively because of this. LA makes up for it by ranking No. 2 in the league in scoring, averaging 123.5 points, while also ranking second in field goal percentage at 50.7. Luka Doncic leads the NBA in scoring at 35 points a game. Take the OVER.

Phoenix has won four of seven, even though the Suns are going through a tough stretch against some of the league's top teams. They come off losses to Oklahoma City and Denver and are now tasked with a road game against the Lakers. However, the Suns catch Los Angeles in a back-to-back situation after the Lakers played last night and beat New Orleans 133-121. LeBron James was out with a sore left foot and is day-to-day. Phoenix has covered five road games in a row and nine of 11 against the Western Conference. The Suns have beaten the Lakers outright in four of the past six meetings, though this is the first this season. Grayson Allen returned from a seven-game absence and played 25 minutes against the Nuggets. Take the Suns on the moneyline.