Los Angeles at Phoenix

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.