The Phoenix Suns (12-8) and the Los Angeles Lakers (12-9) link up in the quarterfinal round of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament on Tuesday. The Lakers have won two of their last three games, and on Saturday, Los Angeles defeated the Houston Rockets 107-97. Meanwhile, Phoenix knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies 116-109 on Dec. 2. LeBron James (calf) is questionable and Anthony Davis (groin/hip) is probable for Los Angeles. Bradley Beal (back) is out for the Suns, while Eric Gordon (knee) is questionable.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers are 1.5-point favorites in the latest Suns vs. Lakers odds, per SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 228.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Suns picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer simulation model.
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 7 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 92-50 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Suns vs. Lakers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Lakers vs. Suns:
- Suns vs. Lakers spread: Los Angeles -1.5
- Suns vs. Lakers Over-Under: 228.5 points
- Suns vs. Lakers money line: Los Angeles -124, Phoenix +104
- PHO: Phoenix has hit the 3Q Game Total Over in 57 of its last 90 games
- LAL: Los Angeles has hit the 4Q money line in 67 of its last 97 games
- Suns vs. Lakers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Lakers can cover
James is an extremely physical and athletic player despite being 38 years old. The 19-time All-Star has excellent court vision with a knack for absorbing contact in the lane. He leads the team in scoring (24.4) with 7.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. He's scored at least 25 points in five of his last 10 games, including on Nov. 22 against the Mavericks when James totaled 26 points, nine boards, and seven assists.
Davis is a two-way monster in the frontcourt who has elite instincts and owns the ability to defend multiple positions. Additionally, he can score in the low post with ease. Davis is second in the NBA in rebounds (12.5) and first in blocks (2.8) with 22.9 points per game. He notched 27 points, 14 boards, and five blocks in his last outing. See which team to pick here.
Why the Suns can cover
Forward Kevin Durant scores so effortlessly due to his range and precise shooting. Durant has terrific shot-creating ability, ranking second in the league in points (31) with 6.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. He's also shooting a staggering 49% from downtown. On Nov. 10 against the Lakers, Durant dropped 38 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
Guard Devin Booker is also one of the best scorers in the game. Booker's jumper is so reliable, especially from the mid-range area, and the 27-year-old has playmaking skills that allow him to be a consistent facilitator. Booker is averaging 27.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. In Saturday's win over Memphis, he amassed 34 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. See which team to pick here.
How to make Suns vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 226 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Suns, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Suns vs. Lakers spread you need to jump on Tuesday, all from the model that is on an 92-50 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
