The Phoenix Suns (1-0) will face the Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) in a Western Conference showdown on Thursday night. The Lakers are looking to bounce back after their loss in the season opener against the Denver Nuggets. The Suns, on the other hand, secured a victory against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. There are doubts about the availability of Bradley Beal (back) and Devin Booker (left foot soreness).
The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers are currently the 5.5-point favorites, with the over/under for total points set at 224.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Suns picks, it is advisable to consider the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model has successfully simulated every NBA game 10,000 times and has consistently provided profitable results. In the last five seasons, it has returned over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks.
Now, the model has made its picks and predictions for Suns vs. Lakers. You can check out the model’s picks at SportsLine. Here are the NBA odds and betting lines for Lakers vs. Suns:
- Suns vs. Lakers spread: Los Angeles -5.5
- Suns vs. Lakers over/under: 224.5 points
- Suns vs. Lakers money line: Los Angeles -222, Phoenix +182
- LAL: The Lakers are 9-2 in their last 11 home games
- PHX: The Suns are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games against the Lakers
- Suns vs. Lakers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Suns can cover
The Suns have players like Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic who can make a significant impact on the game. Durant, a 13-time All-Star, recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds in the season opener. Nurkic, known for his rebounding ability, contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Josh Okogie, known for his defensive skills, brings a lot to the Suns. He is good at stealing the ball and disrupting passing lanes. In the season opener, he scored 17 points, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded one steal.
Why the Lakers can cover
LeBron James, an influential player in his 21st season, has a versatile skillset and high basketball IQ. In the previous game, all five Lakers starters scored in double figures, with James leading the team with 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Austin Reaves, stepping into a bigger role this season, is a skilled scorer who can finish at the rim. Last season, he averaged 13 points and 3.4 assists per game. In the season opener, Reaves contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
How to make Suns vs. Lakers picks
The SportsLine model predicts that the total points scored will exceed 226. It also indicates that one side of the spread will cover in over 50% of simulations. For the full NBA picks from the model, visit SportsLine.
So, who will win Lakers vs. Suns? Which side of the spread should you choose? Find out the answers and more at SportsLine, where the model has already returned almost $2,800 on its NBA picks in the previous season.
