Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers: Prediction and Betting Tips

Phoenix Suns

After an 11 season absence, the Phoenix Suns are back in the NBA playoffs and they came back with style. The Suns beat the reigning champions the LA Lakers in the first game of the series after a very impressive display by Devin Booker who led the game with 34 points. His teammate Deandre Ayton added 21 points and 16 rebounds against the big guys of the Lakers.

Chris Paul had a quiet game with seven points and eight assists, but the veteran could raise his game anytime as he has done many times before. Phoenix are now ahead in the H2H meetings this season with three wins and two defeat. If they can maintain their defensive display in the second game, they have a big chance of extending their lead to 2-0 in the series.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers were the favorites to win this match despite being seventh in the Western Conference after a play-in game with the Golden State Warriors in which the Lakers won narrowly. That sums up the LA outfit’s season as they struggled through injuries and lost the home-court advantage coming into the playoffs.

The defeat could have been in double digits as the Lakers came back to close down a 15 point deficit but never managed to trouble the Suns offensively. None of the Lakers players scored 20 points. Lebron James was their best scorer with 18. Anthony Davis made just five of his 16 field goal attempts and in the post-match interview, he said they can’t win a series let alone a match with so many missed shots.

Key Stats

• Phoenix have an average of 115 points per game
• Lakers have an average of 109 points per game
• Phoenix have an average of 49% shooting from all distances
• Lakers have an average of 47.2% shooting from all distances

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction

Phoenix had a great first game defensively. Coach Monty Williams’ players dominated on the board with 47 total rebounds to the Lakers’ 33. They are young and fast players and are giving the Lakers trouble with their high-intensity defense.

Coach Frank Vogel will make the necessary adjustments to avoid a 2-0 deficit in the series. The Lakers need to improve their shooting, especially from the arc. Anthony Davis needs to find his form and Lebron James must take the initiative and control the game.

We think it will be a closer game than the first one. With both teams focusing more on their defense we think we will see another low-scoring game.

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Tips

Under 208 Total Points 1.90 at bet365

Lebron James to score over 24.5 points 1.86 at bet365