The 2-seed Phoenix Suns host the 7-seed Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series Sunday at their self-titled arena. Tip-off is at 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Lakers-Suns odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Suns are in the postseason for the first time since 2010 and were led by Devin Booker‘s 25.6 points per game.
Chris Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists, while Deandre Ayton averaged a double-double with 14.4 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game. The Suns beat the Lakers in two of three matchups in the regular season.
The Lakers seek to defend their championship but had to make it through the play-in tournament to get to the postseason. Anthony Davis played in only half of the team’s 72 regular-season games and LeBron James missed 27 games.
Lakers at Suns: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:27 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Lakers +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Suns -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Lakers +2.5 (-110) | Suns -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Lakers at Suns: Key injuries
Lakers
- PF Anthony Davis (shoulder) probable
- SF LeBron James (ankle) probable
Suns
- None affecting gambling odds.
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Lakers at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Suns 115, Lakers 110
Money line (ML)
The Suns beat the Lakers at home 111-94 March 21. Only three teams had more home wins than the Suns’ 27. The Lakers went 3-5 in their last eight road games.
The Suns are fully healthy and the Lakers’ two stars are not 100%. Being at home and in the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, Phoenix will come out playing well.
Take the SUNS (-140).
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Against the spread (ATS)
The Suns had the league’s second-best ATS record at 42-28-2 ATS, covering the spread in 60% of their games. They had the highest cover percentage at home during the season at 63.9%.
The Lakers covered the spread in only 44.4% of their games this season. They are 1-4 ATS in their last five games. L.A. did not win or cover the spread in the game against Phoenix in March.
Take the SUNS -2.5 (-110).
Over/Under (O/U)
The Suns ended the season with the second-highest Over percentage in the league at 58.3%. They beat the total by an average of 2.5 points per game. They closed the season with nine of their final 10 games going Over the projected total.
The Lakers had the league’s lowest Over percentage at 38.9%. They went 3-3 O/U in their final six games. Two of the three games between the two teams went Over this season.
Take OVER 213.5 (-110).
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