Report: Phoenix Suns have had trade discussions for Chris Paul with OKC

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps report that the Phoenix Suns have had discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the All-Star.

With the NBA’s Board of Governors approving the latest changes that were agreed to by the NBPA, the specter of the offseason looms over the league more than ever. The draft is only eight days away and then the free agency period will start a day and a half later on Nov. 20, where a whirlwind of deals will go down. But the NBA is also likely to lift their trade moratorium before the draft, which brings us to the first trade rumor of the offseason.

ESPN.com’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps report that the Phoenix Suns have had discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Paul, who had been seen by some as a potential target for the Lakers. The Suns were one of the best stories in the Orlando Bubble, going 8-0 in the seeding games only to barely miss the play-in series to get the 8th seed in the Western Conference.

It’s not clear who has been offered, but it doesn’t take much to see the Suns looking to move point guard Ricky Rubio, as well as forward Kelly Oubre Jr., who did not play in the bubble. Young wings Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson shined during the Suns run, as well as Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton.

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Podcast: Discussing the top rumors ahead of 2020 NBA trade deadline

Alex Kennedy and Frank Urbina preview the 2020 NBA trade deadline, discussing the various teams and players to keep an eye on.

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On this episode of The HoopsHype Podcast, Alex Kennedy and Frank Urbina preview the 2020 NBA trade deadline. They discuss the teams and players to keep an eye on over the next 24 hours. Time-stamps are below!

1:15: The New York Knicks are reportedly open for business since firing Steve Mills. Now, they’re apparently open to trading Marcus Morris. They’re also one of the teams in the mix for D’Angelo Russell.

4:45: Discussing what the Los Angeles Lakers may do ahead of the deadline. They’ve shown interest in Morris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Schroeder and Darren Collison among others, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Also, will Kyle Kuzma be traded?

8:15: The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping tabs on what the Lakers are doing and they’re competing for many of the same players. Alex and Frank discuss the Clippers’ options. If they land Morris, how much better would they be?

12:15: The Phoenix Suns are reportedly listening to offers for Kelly Oubre all of a sudden, which is somewhat surprising. Are the Suns sellers?

13:40: Discussing the Golden State Warriors’ trade talks, including their options with D’Angelo Russell, Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III.

21:20: The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers reportedly want to add a shooter, but Milwaukee doesn’t want to disrupt their chemistry and Philadelphia doesn’t have many trade chips.

26:55: Prior to the Warriors-Nets game in Brooklyn, Alec Burks was on the phone for a while and then was consoled by Warriors staffers, according to HoopsHype’s Bryan Kalbrosky. Alex and Frank react to this as well as the fact that Burks and Robinson III were held out of tonight’s game.

28:35: Breaking down the Oklahoma City Thunder’s options leading up to the deadline. They’re open to selling Schroeder, Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams, but they have reportedly fielded some calls as a buyer too.

31:30: The Miami Heat have expressed in Gallinari and Iguodala (who they traded for shortly after this was recorded). Alex and Frank discuss Miami’s options, Iguodala’s fit with the Heat and more.

34:50: What will the San Antonio Spurs do ahead of the deadline? They’ve reportedly had conversations about DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay, but they’re asking for a lot. They’ve also made calls that indicate they could be a buyer.

37:15: Discussing the Detroit Pistons’ options in regards to Andre Drummond, Markieff Morris and Derrick Rose.

40:55: Breaking down the Toronto Raptors’ approach to the deadline. They are reportedly a buyer. Will Masai Ujiri make a move? And how tough is it for Masai to make a trade these days after fleecing so many rival executives?

43:40: Alex and Frank each share a trade that they’d love to see happen prior to the deadline.

Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (17-24) wrap up their three-game road trip on Saturday against the Boston Celtics (27-13). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden. We analyze the Suns-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Suns at Celtics B: Key injuries

Suns:

  • SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (concussion) out
  • PF Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • SF Cam Johnson (quad) questionable

Celtics

  • F Jaylen Brown (thumb) questionable
  • PG Marcus Smart (ankle) probable
  • PF Daniel Theis (knee) probable
  • C Robert Williams III (hip) out

Suns at Celtics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 111, Suns 103

Moneyline (ML)

The Suns, coming off a big win on the road over the New York Knicks are big underdogs at +260. The Celtics don’t offer any value at -334, but have lost two straight games. The Celtics are 7-5 after a loss and 15-4 when favored at home. Phoenix is 4-12 after a win, but is 5-7 as a road dog. The Suns have had some surprising wins against very good teams this season but will be without one of their top scorers and defenders in Oubre. While C Deandre Ayton was huge in the win vs. the Knicks, the Suns have struggled with the 3-point shot. The CELTICS are the smart bet here, even at –334.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Celtics returns a profit of $2.99 if they prevail.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CELTICS are -7.5 (-110). The Suns won and covered the spread against the Knicks, but failed to cover the previous five games. The Celtics have covered in three of their last four games. The Suns are 7-9 ATS after a win and 8-4 ATS as a road dog. The Celtics are 8-4 ATS after a loss and 10-8-1 as a home favorite. But, again, with no Oubre and maybe no Johnson, The Suns will just be short on firepower. It will be close, but take the CELTICS -7.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 224.5 points. Suns games have gone Under in five of the last six games and six of the last eight. Celtics games have gone Over in three of the last four. They are 6-6 O/U after a loss and 10-9 O/U as a home favorite. The Suns are 7-9 O/U after a win and 6-6 O/U as road dogs.

With the Suns struggling mostly with the 3-ball and down Oubre in the starting lineup, in addition to Boston’s defense, expect this game to go UNDER (-110).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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LeBron James gets 30-point triple-double in win over Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers led by as many as 36 points but weren’t able to blow out the Phoenix Suns in their first game of 2020.

For a few brief moments in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Los Angeles Lakers would be victims of the first 30-plus point collapse of the new year. But they were able to hold things together and avoid blowing a 36-point lead in their win Wednesday over the Phoenix Suns, 117-110.

LeBron James had 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists as the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns. It’s L.A.’s third straight victory, one that looked like it would be an easy one where LeBron and Anthony Davis wouldn’t have to play in the fourth quarter. But the Suns were pesky, getting the Lakers lead down to seven with 2:13 left but they were unable to stop the Lakers in the final moments.

The Lakers jumped out to the huge lead thanks to great defense and some hot shooting from the field. The Lakers made their first 11 field goal attempts of the game, helping them build a 43-17 first quarter lead.

Devin Booker led the comeback with 32 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 26 points while Deandre Ayton was a force in the middle with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

The Lakers remain at home for the next few days and they’ll host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

 

 

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (13-20) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (26-7) Wednesday at Staples Center for a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Suns-Lakers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Suns are 1-2 on a current four-game road trip, winning their last two: 122-116 at the Portland Trail Blazers Monday and 112-110 at the Sacramento Kings Saturday. Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 33 and 29 points, respectively, as the Suns overcame a 19-point deficit after the first quarter in Portland.

The Lakers are also on a two-game win streak, most recently defeating the Dallas Mavericks 108-95 at home Sunday. Anthony Davis led the charge with 23 points, while LeBron James finished with 13 points and 13 assists on his 35th birthday. LeBron also became the ninth player in NBA history to reach 9,000 career assists in the win.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Suns at Lakers: Key injuries

Suns

  • PF Frank Kaminsky (knee) questionable

Lakers

  • PF Anthony Davis (shoulder) probable

Suns at Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 118, Suns 112

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers are going to win if Anthony Davis plays or not. They’re such big ML favorites (-625), it’s not worth the risk vs. the payoff. Every $6.25 wagered on the Lakers will only profit $1 if they win. If you’re willing to take a shot that the Suns (+450) somehow pull of an upset, they offer a 4.5-to-1 payoff, but I’m going to PASS.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The SUNS (+11.5, -115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. It’s just too many points. They’re 3-1 ATS as an underdog between 10-12 points, while the Lakers are 3-4 ATS as a 10- to 12-point favorite. The Suns are also 7-4 ATS as a road dog.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Suns here will profit $1 if they win outright or stay within 12 points in a loss. (Ex: Bet $11.50 to profit $10 or bet $115 to profit $100).

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 224.5 (-129). If Davis doesn’t play, I like it even more as the Lakers defense – ranked fourth in points allowed (105.3 PPG) – will take a hit. L.A. can replace A.D.’s scoring, but it can’t replace his team-leading blocks (2.5 BPG) and steals (1.5 SPG). Meanwhile, Phoenix, which is 20-13 O/U on the season and on a little bit of a roll, gives up 115.1 PPG and both offenses rank in the top-9 in scoring.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 22-10-1. Strongest plays: 11-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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James Harden, Russell Westbrook score 77 as Rockets scorch Suns

Led by a combined 77 points from James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Rockets (20-9) shot nearly 60% as a team in a big win at Phoenix.

Houston stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 77 points and 17 assists as the Rockets overwhelmed the Suns with a barrage of threes in Saturday’s 139-125 win (box score) at Phoenix.

The Rockets hit 19-of-41 three-pointers (46.3%) as a team, while the Suns made just 8-of-28, or 28.6%. That 33-point math advantage proved impossible for the Suns (11-18) to overcome in their sixth straight loss.

Harden had nearly half of those three-pointers with nine in 19 attempts (47.4%), leading the Rockets (20-9) to a third straight win and their ninth in the past 12 games. The NBA’s 2018 MVP connected on 15-of-27 shots (55.6%) overall, and he also added seven assists and six rebounds.

The Suns cut the margin as close as eight points in the fourth quarter, but Harden had a breathtaking stretch with 10 points in just 92 seconds midway through the final period as the Rockets broke the game wide open. Houston led for the entire second half.

Meanwhile, Westbrook had 30 points and 10 assists on 11-of-21 shooting (52.4%). After not breaking the 30-point barrier in his first 20 games with the Rockets, the 2017 MVP has now done it four times in six games.

Westbrook had issues with a dislocated finger in the 2019-20 preseason, and he said Saturday in his postgame interview with reporters that the improving health of his hand has enabled his recent surge.

Starting center Clint Capela also had a big night for the Rockets with 14 points and 17 rebounds in 36 minutes. Capela made seven of his eight shot attempts, leading Houston’s astonishing 51-of-87 total (58.6%) from the field as a team. Off the bench, reserves Gary Clark and Ben McLemore combined for 17 points on five made three-pointers.

The Suns were led by 26 points from starting small forward Kelly Oubre Jr., who hit 10-of-16 shots (62.5%) from the field.

The Rockets are now 2-0 on their current four-game West Coast road trip, which resumes Monday night with a game at Sacramento (12-17).

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