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The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers link up on Thursday evening in a Pacific Division battle. Both of these teams have yet to fully hit their groove this season. The Suns (19-18) have lost three of their last four games, while the Lakers (19-19) have won two games in a row. Furthermore, this will be the fourth and final matchup of the year between these teams, and Los Angeles has beaten Phoenix five times in a row. LeBron James (ankle) is listed as questionable.

Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Phoenix is favored by 1.5 points in the latest Suns vs. Lakers odds, per SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 238. Before making any Lakers vs. 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 12 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 112-62 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning well over $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. 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: 238 points 
  • Suns vs. Lakers money line: Los Angeles -100, Phoenix -119
  • PHX: The Suns are averaging 115.2 points per game
  • LAL: The Lakers are averaging 114.0 points per game
  • Suns vs. Lakers picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Lakers can cover

Anthony Davis has been a dominant force in the frontcourt for Los Angeles. Davis uses his exceptional instincts and length to defend the rim at a high level. The eight-time All-Star is second in the NBA in rebounds (12.2), tied for third in blocks (2.6) to go along with 25.7 points per game. Additionally, he's third in double-doubles (30) in the NBA. In his last matchup, Davis finished with 41 points and 11 boards.

James (questionable) continues to excel on every level. James owns the court vision and playmaking ability to find his teammates for easy looks. The four-time NBA champion averages 25.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He's notched at least seven assists in five straight games. On Tuesday, James tallied 22 points and 12 assists. See which team to pick here.

Why the Suns can cover

Guard Bradley Beal was hampered by injuries through the first part of the season. As he looks to find his rhythm, Beal owns a smooth offensive repertoire. The 30-year-old has a nice jumper from both the mid-range and 3-point land. He averages 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. In the Jan. 5 win over the Heat, Beal supplied 25 points, eight boards, and nine dimes.

Center Jusuf Nurkic provides Phoenix with a bruising anchor down low. Nurkic consistently sets solid screens with a knack for finishing with either hand around the rim. The 29-year-old is ninth in the NBA in rebounds (10.3), to go along with 12.5 points per game. On Sunday, he racked up 18 points, 19 boards, and five assists. See which team to pick here.

How to make Suns vs. Lakers picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 228 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine. 

So who wins Lakers vs. Suns, and which side of the spread hits over 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 112-62 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.