The Los Angeles Lakers host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, December 5, at the Crypto.com Arena in an In-Season tournament quarterfinal matchup. The Lakers vs. Suns matchup tips off at 10:00 P.M. E.T.
It will be the third meeting between the two Pacific Division ballclubs, with the Lakers winning on both occasions. They won on October 26, 100-95, and repeated their mastery on November 10 with a 122-119 triumph.
Both teams are also coming off wins. The Lakers brought down the Houston Rockets, 107-97, on December 2, while the Suns defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on the same date, 116-109.
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Lakers vs. Suns NBA In-Season Tournament Odds
The Lakers are listed as 2-point favorites to prevail over the Suns on Tuesday per BetMGM Sportsbook via USA Today. The Moneyline set for this matchup is -130 for Los Angeles and +109 for Phoenix, with the over/under at 224.5.
With the Suns likely to pin their hopes on Kevin Durant anew, head coach Frank Vogel will need other players to step up. Bradley Beal continues to be out with a back injury, while Devin Booker is recovering from an ankle issue.
However, Vogel said after their last win that there was minimal soreness on Booker's ankle and that the All-Star guard was likely to play against the Lakers via SI.com.
Lakers vs. Suns NBA In-Season Tournament Preview
The Suns have yet to unleash their full potential as they struggle to see their three stars, Durant, Booker, and Beal, all play at the same time. Durant has been doing most of the work, with Booker playing erratically due to injuries.
In their last 10 games, the Suns have averaged 120.5 points, 41.5 rebounds, 27 assists, 6 steals and 7.2 steals per contest. They are 8th in the league when it comes to offensive rating, with 117.1.
Phoenix needs to do a better job on the defensive end. They are 18th in the league with a defensive rating of 114 and need to exert more effort against an explosive team such as the Lakers.
Conversely, the Lakers have their top stars, such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, leading the way anew. However, it has not been a smooth run for the purple and gold. They need to polish their game more and find a way to win games without relying too much on James.
In their last 10 games, Los Angeles has averaged 111.9 points, 44.6 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 7.9 steals, and 5.1 blocks. They are 24th in the league in terms of offensive rating with 110.7. Their defensive side is worth looking into, 9th in the league with a defensive rating of 111.7 per NBA.com.
The Lakers appear to have the edge in this one, although it would be foolish to count out the Suns, especially with Durant around and if Booker returns to action on Tuesday.
Lakers vs. Suns NBA In-Season Tournament Pick
With the homecourt edge and their top guns playing, the Lakers should pull off this win. However, it will not be a walk in the park for the Lakers with Durant and possibly Booker present.
If James and Davis get some other guys, such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, or Taurean Prince involved, the Lakers should win this In-Season quarterfinal matchup, their second straight.
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