Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction 01/01/20

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, NBA

The Phoenix Suns (13-20), 11.5-point underdogs, will be at the Staples Center to square off against the Los Angeles Lakers (26-7) in a Pacific Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 226.5 points and action starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last game. The Lakers (5-point favorites) defeated the Dallas Mavericks 108-95, while the Suns (4-point underdog) beat the Portland Trail Blazers 122-116. The Los Angeles game finished 21 points under the projected point total of 224, while the Phoenix game finished 5.5 points over the projected point total of 232.5.

Phoenix played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.228 (above their season average of 0.212) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.8 (above their season average of 20.8). Portland was 0.146 and 22.7, respectively, for those same stats. Los Angeles, meanwhile, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.295 (above their season average of 0.188) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.545 (above their season average of 0.544). For those same stats, Dallas was 0.202 and 0.433, respectively. LeBron James had a good game for Los Angeles, contributing 13 points, 13 assists and six rebounds. Phoenix, meanwhile, was led by Devin Booker, who contributed 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

In their first matchup this season, Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a 123-115 victory. He recorded a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams combined for 238 points, which was well over the projected point total of 220.5, and Los Angeles covered as a 3-point favorite. The Lakers’ 19.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Suns, who had a rate of 14.3.

Of the Suns’ 33 games, 20 have gone over the total. Phoenix holds records of 13-20 straight up (SU) and 18-14-1 against the spread (ATS).

Unlike Phoenix, Lakers games have typically finished under the projected point total (57.6 percent). Moreover, Los Angeles owns records of 26-7 SU and 18-15 ATS.

When considering effective field goal percentage, Los Angeles should have a considerable advantage. The sharp-shooting Lakers offense ranks third in the league in that metric at 0.544, while the bottom-tier Phoenix defense is ranked 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.546).

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Lakers rank seventh in assists per game (26.1) while the Suns rank 14th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
  • Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (7.2) while Phoenix ranks 28th (3.6).
  • The Suns rank seventh in fast break points allowed per game (12.2) while the Lakers rank 27th (15.5).
  • Los Angeles ranks second in steals per game (8.6) while Phoenix ranks 15th (7.8).
  • Phoenix ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.6) while Los Angeles ranks 13th (33.3).
  • The Lakers average 53.1 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Suns rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.5).
  • The Lakers rank third in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while the Suns rank 12th (45.1).
  • Phoenix averages 18.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 10th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.7).
  • Los Angeles ranks third in second chance points per game (14.7) while Phoenix ranks 23rd (12.2).
  • Phoenix is 2-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 11-0.
  • In games where they reach 100 points, the Lakers are 22-7 and the Suns are 13-16.
  • Los Angeles is 9-6 ATS at home, while Phoenix is 9-6 ATS on the road.
  • The Suns have 8 unders and 7 overs in 15 road games.
  • In 15 home games, the Lakers have 9 unders and 6 overs.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Suns are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Phoenix has 4 overs and 1 under, while Los Angeles has 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.4, up from 0.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 110.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.0 points per game (7.7 above their season average).