It will be a battle between Pacific Division opponents when the Los Angeles Lakers (39-12) welcome the Phoenix Suns (21-32) to the Staples Center. The game will air on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday, February 10, 2020.
Los Angeles is an 11.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 227 points at NJ Draftkings Sportsbook.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Suns failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs in their 117-108 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last outing. The game’s combined points (225) were over the O/U total of 218. Denver’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Phoenix. The Nuggets had a rate of 0.616 (above their season average of 0.521), while the Suns posted a mark of 0.489. Deandre Ayton was Phoenix’s high scorer with 28 points on 13-for-21 shooting.
In the Lakers’ previous game, they beat the Golden State Warriors, 125-120, but were not able to cover as 14-point favorites. The total points for the game (245) were well over the projected point total of 224.5. The Lakers knocked down 25 of their 34 free throws (73.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 24.8). Anthony Davis was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field.
The Lakers have emerged victorious in both matchups against the Suns this year, including a 117-107 victory in their last matchup. Los Angeles was unable to cover as an 11-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 224 points, which was just 1.5 points below the projected point total of 225.5 points. The Lakers knocked down 24 of their 34 free throws (70.6 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.3 vs. 12.7). LeBron James played a huge role in the victory, recording a triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists.
Phoenix comes into the contest with records of 21-32 straight up (SU) and 25-27-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Suns games, with 28 overs compared to 25 unders.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 39-12 SU and 26-24-1 ATS. Just over half of Lakers games have also finished over the projected point total.
Los Angeles could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their sharp-shooting offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Lakers rank second in effective field goal percentage (0.550), while Phoenix ranks 21st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.538).
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Phoenix is 14-11 ATS with 13 unders and 12 overs.
Los Angeles is 12-11-1 ATS at home with 13 unders and 11 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Phoenix is 7-2 and Los Angeles is 15-0.
The Suns are 20-26 when they reach 100 points, while the Lakers are 35-11.
Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (6.9) while Phoenix ranks 26th (4.1).
The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.4) while the Suns rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.0).
Los Angeles ranks third in second chance points per game (14.9) while Phoenix ranks 23rd (12.2).
The Suns rank 10th in fast break points allowed per game (12.5) while the Lakers rank 29th (16.2).
Los Angeles averages 8.5 steals per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Phoenix ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
The Lakers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while the Suns rank 10th (43.9).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in assists per game (26.2) while Phoenix ranks 13th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
The Suns rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.8) while the Lakers rank 13th (33.2).
Phoenix averages 18.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.7).
Over its last five games, Phoenix is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.8, up from 0.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 122.6 points per game (8.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.6 points per game (9.3 above their season average).