The Phoenix Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 2 of this Western Conference playoff series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Lakers-Suns prediction and pick.
Phoenix took down the Lakers in Game 1 by a score of 99-90. The Suns comfortably covered the 2.5-point spread behind their elite defensive performance. The under comfortably hit as well as the final score was well below the 213.5 point total. Phoenix is in the driver's seat in this series and will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead against the defending champs. Will the Lakers bounce back over the Suns and even the series as an untraditional seventh-seed?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Lakers-Suns odds.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Suns Odds
Los Angeles Lakers -1.5 (-110)
Phoenix Suns +1.5 (-110)
Over 208.5 Points (-110)
Under 208.5 Points (-110)
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Lakers have red flags all around them right now as they came out flat as can be in Game 1 of this series against the Suns. Some key Lakers players looked disinterested in the game and it is alarming that this team wouldn't rise to the occasion as possibly the most talented seventh-seed to ever enter the postseason. Los Angeles still has championship aspirations and will need to put it into high gear quickly. LeBron James was his usual self and led his squad with 18 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and three steals in an impressive all-around performance.
The Lakers really need Anthony Davis to wake up against the Suns as the big man went for just 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the floor. Davis had a monstrous 42-point affair against the Suns in their last head-to-head matchup on May 9th and will need to return to that form rather quickly for his club. With four other Lakers scoring in double-figures, it stands true that this team will live and die on the production of their big two. Los Angeles remained in the game thanks to their ability to get to the charity stripe, which they will certainly need to replicate in Game 2.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Phoenix Suns took charge in the second quarter of Game 1 as they poured it on with 38 points. However, Chris Paul went down in the quarter and it seemed like the worst possible scenario for Phoenix was coming true. Paul thankfully returned to the court with just a three-point lead and led his club back to a comfortable nine-point margin as time expired. With no accessible information on Paul's status for Game 2, it is assumed he will play with his normal usage.
Although Paul's seven points, four rebounds, and eight assists seem underwhelming, his presence on the court is all his club really needs. Devin Booker was his usual self as he registered 34 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and a steal to lead the charge. Deandre Ayton dominated the paint with 21 points and 16 rebounds. The key to victory for the Suns will once again be on the defensive end as their offensive output is almost guaranteed. Phoenix has been a juggernaut on that end all season long and will be a huge challenge for the reeling Lakers throughout the series.
Final Lakers-Suns Prediction & Pick
With Paul telling reporters that he will certainly be on the court for Game 2, we have to assume that both clubs will be at full strength. Although Los Angeles is listed as the favorite and knows the importance of this game, it is clear that the Suns are the more talented team in this series. It's tough to predict which way this game will go, but I am certain that we will see a better performance from the Lakers. With the Suns' offensive capabilities, I see a bounce-back performance from both teams occurring on that end.
Lakers-Suns Prediction – FINAL PICK: Over 208.5 Points