LA Lakers at Phoenix Suns Odds & Predictions 3/13/22

Los Angeles Lakers (29-37 SU, 28-38-0 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (53-14 SU, 35-32-0 ATS)
When: Sunday March 13 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
TV: SPECSN

Point Spread: LAL +8.5/PHX -8.5 (Opened PHX -8.5 at Everygame)
Total: 229 (Opened at 227)
Money Line: Los Angeles Lakers 293/Phoenix Suns -381
Power Rating: PHX -8

Probable Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Lakers PG Russell Westbrook, SG Malik Monk P, SF Austin Reaves, PF Stanley Johnson, C LeBron James Q
Phoenix Suns PG Cam Payne, SG Devin Booker, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Anthony Davis: Ankle (OUT) Kendrick Nunn: Ankle (OUT)

Phoenix Suns Cameron Johnson: Quadricep (OUT) Dario Saric: Knee (OUT) Chris Paul: Thumb (OUT) Frank Kaminsky: Knee (OUT)

The Phoenix Suns host the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center.

Recent Form

The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game with an overall record of 29-37, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Los Angeles has struggled in their 30 road contests, sitting at 9-21. Over the Lakers’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 119.0 points per game, 8.0 points more than their season average of 111.1. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. A key reason for Los Angeles’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 123.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 113.2. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent game, Los Angeles took down Washington by a score of 122-109

The Phoenix Suns come into this game with an overall record of 53-14, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. So far, Phoenix is above .500 at home, holding a record of 28-8. The Suns have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Phoenix’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 112.0 points per game. Combined, the Suns’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. Even though the Suns have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 110.0 points per game, up from Phoenix’s usual rate of 106.0. In the Phoenix Suns’ most recent game, the team fell to Toronto by a score of 117-112.

Individual Player Analysis

As Los Angeles travels to take on the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers’ leading scorer is LeBron James. Through 51 games, James is averaging 29 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 51.0% of his games. Against the Suns, James will need to be on top of his game as Phoenix is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 43.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Devin Booker leads the Suns in scoring, averaging 25 points across his 63 games. Throughout the season, Booker has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. Given that Los Angeles’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, Devin Booker should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Lakers have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 52.0% of their games, giving them a rank of 23rd among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Phoenix Suns are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 29 of Phoenix’s 65 games, leading to a winning percentage of 83%. So far, the Los Angeles Lakers have played 10 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 10 times, by an average margin of -14.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Phoenix picked up a 108-90 win.

How the Public is Betting the Lakers vs Suns

67% are betting the Suns against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 228.0

Get Joe’s Predicted Point Spread Winner for the Pacers/Hawks 3/13/22 Game >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Lakers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Lakers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this game, the Phoenix Suns are 8.5 point favorites at home. Even though the team is still without Chris Paul, they are enjoying the return of Devin Booker after missing several games with an illness. As we come down the stretch of the NBA season, the Suns have a firm grasp of the top-overall seed, but the Lakers are fighting for their playoff lives. Enter tonight’s contest, LA is in 9th place, 4.5 games behind the Clippers. Even though I see Phoenix picking up the win, look for Lebron James to continue his strong play, keeping this game within reach. I like the Lakers to cover the spread.