Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns prediction

Recent results

• Los Angeles Lakers: 5 wins from the last 5, average margin +9.0 points (W 123–112 @ MIL, W 124–114 @ ATL, W 121–116 @ DET, W 124–118 v POR, W 116–103 @ SAC).
• Phoenix Suns: 4 wins from the last 5, average margin +3.6 points (W 101–96 v CHA, W 133–110 v LAC, L 96–122 v SA, W 102–99 v HOU, W 117–104 v ORL).

This is the first meeting between these teams this season. Results are taken from final scores, most recent first.

Preview

Los Angeles Lakers are our pick on the road against the Phoenix Suns. The model gives them a 63% chance of winning, which makes this game a lean (55 to 65%).

On the rosters we expect, Los Angeles Lakers rate as the stronger team (95.8 to 88.6 on our team-strength rating), and that is the main reason for the pick.

Recent form: Los Angeles Lakers have been winning by 6.1 points a game, while Phoenix Suns have been losing by 3.7 points a game.

Injuries: Los Angeles Lakers will be without Austin Reaves (35 min a game), Collin Sexton (questionable) may not play for Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns will be without Mark Williams (23 min a game). Players listed as unsure are counted by how likely they are to play.

Season so far: Los Angeles Lakers are 11–2 and Phoenix Suns are 5–6.

What could change the pick: late injury news. We re-check every 15 minutes until game time, then the pick is frozen and stays on our public record, win or lose.