The Los Angeles Lakers (31-27) and Phoenix Suns (33-24) are set to square off in a Western Conference showdown on Sunday afternoon. Los Angeles has won four of its past five matchups. The Lakers knocked off the San Antonio Spurs 123-118 in their last outing. Phoenix rolls into Sunday’s matchup on a two-game losing streak. On Friday, the Houston Rockets beat the Suns 114-110. LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles/Hip) are questionable for the Lakers, while Bradley Beal (hamstring) is out for Phoenix.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Suns are 4-point favorites in the latest Lakers vs. Suns odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 241.5. Before making any Suns vs. Lakers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 18 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 60-36 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,300. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Suns. You can head to SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Suns vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Suns spread: Phoenix -4
- Lakers vs. Suns over/under: 241.5 points
- Lakers vs. Suns money line: Phoenix -167, Los Angeles +141
- LAL: The Lakers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games played on a Sunday
- PHO: The Suns are 7-0 in their last seven games at home
- Lakers vs. Suns picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Suns can cover
Forward Kevin Durant thrives in the many different areas on the court. Durant scores with ease in the low post and has a smooth jumper from the perimeter. The Texas product is currently fifth in the NBA in scoring (28.1) to go along with 6.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. In his last contest, Durant finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
Guard Devin Booker owns such a smooth offensive skillset. Booker catches fire in a hurry due to his arsenal and variety of moves. The four-time All-Star ranks seventh in scoring (27.6) and 11th in assists (6.9). He’s scored at least 25 points in five of his last six matchups. Booker’s effectiveness on offense is a big reason why the Suns are 14-6 in their last 20 games. See who to back at SportsLine.
Why the Lakers can cover
Guard D’Angelo Russell has a calming presence when on the court. Russell will space the floor due to his reliable jumper but will make the right read as a passer. The Ohio State product puts up 17.5 points and 6.4 assists per game, while making 41% of his 3-pointers. On Feb. 23, Russell recorded 22 points and six boards.
Guard Austin Reaves is an all-around playmaker for the Lakers. Reaves is not afraid to attack the lane while utilizing his jump shot to keep the defense guessing. The Oklahoma product logs 15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. On Feb. 22 versus the Warriors, Reaves had 16 points and four assists. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make Suns vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 243 points. The model also says one side hits in almost 60% of simulations. You can only see the picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Suns, and which side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 60-36 roll on top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.