The Phoenix Suns (4-18), 11-point underdogs, will be at the Staples Center to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers (13-9) in a Pacific Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 223 points and it is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
The Lakers come in on a high note after covering the 4-point spread against the Dallas Mavericks in their last contest, 114-103. The Suns, on the other hand, were beat by the Orlando Magic, 99-85, and failed to cover as 4-point underdogs. The Los Angeles game went 4 points under the projected point total of 221, while the Phoenix game finished 31.5 points under the projected point total of 215.5.
The Lakers held the Mavericks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.453 (below their season average of 0.537) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.1 (below the 25.0 mark opponents have averaged against Los Angeles this season). Phoenix, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.7 vs. 11.8). Los Angeles’ Kyle Kuzma led the way, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Phoenix received a boost from Josh Jackson, who finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
In their first matchup this season, LeBron James led the Lakers to a 131-113 victory. He notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists. Los Angeles covered as a 5-point favorite and the two teams combined to put up 244 points, which was over the projected point total of 238.5. Los Angeles had a much better turnover percentage (6.8 vs. 16.9). Phoenix, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (15-21; 71.4 percent).
Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Suns are involved, as 59.1 percent of their games have gone under the projected point total. Phoenix heads into the game with records of 4-18 straight up (SU) and 8-14 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Lakers also tend to go under the total (63.6 percent). Further, Los Angeles owns records of 13-9 SU and 9-13 ATS.
This contest should be a showdown of conflicting styles. Los Angeles has preferred an up-and-down style of play (fourth in possessions per game), while Phoenix has been more half-court-oriented (21st in possessions per game).
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Suns rank 5 in three pointers allowed per game (28.545454545454547) while the Lakers rank 13 (30.863636363636363).
- Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (6.5) while Phoenix ranks 27th (4.0).
- The Lakers average 18.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the league. The Suns rank 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (20.4).
- Los Angeles averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Phoenix ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (9.3).
- Los Angeles ranks 14 in assists allowed per game (23.545454545454547) while Phoenix ranks 25 (25.318181818181817).
- The Lakers average 56.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the league. The Suns rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.9).
- The Lakers rank 10 in rebounds per game (46.04545454545455) while the Suns rank 29 (39.77272727272727).
- Los Angeles ranks 21 in second chance points per game (12.681818181818182) while Phoenix ranks 29 (9.409090909090908).
- Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (20.5) while Phoenix ranks 28th in fast break points allowed per game (17.1).
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 4-0 and Phoenix is 1-1.
- When scoring over 100 points, the Lakers are 12-8 and the Suns are 4-10.
- Los Angeles is 5-7 ATS at home, while Phoenix is 3-8 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 6 of the Suns’ 11 road games, while 8 of the Lakers’ 12 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Lakers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Suns are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 5 unders, while Phoenix has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 99.4 points per game (13.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.4 points per game (10.3 below their season average).
- The Suns\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.8, down from 10.1 for the season.
