It will be a battle between Pacific Division opponents when the Los Angeles Lakers (13-9) welcome the Phoenix Suns (4-18) to the Staples Center. The game begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 223 points with Los Angeles opening as an 11-point favorite.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The last time the Suns played, they were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 99-85, and failed to cover as 4-point underdogs. The game’s total points (184) were well under the O/U total of 215.5. Orlando’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Phoenix. The Magic had a rate of 0.159 (below their season average of 0.159), while the Suns posted a mark of 0.119 (below their season average of 0.181). Josh Jackson played well for Phoenix, putting up 10 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
The Lakers were victorious over the Dallas Mavericks in their last contest, 114-103, covering as 4-point favorites. The total points for the game (217) came in under the O/U total of 221. Los Angeles’ effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Dallas. The Lakers had a rate of 0.541 (above their season average of 0.531), while the Mavericks posted a mark of 0.453 (below their season average of 0.537). With 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, Los Angeles’ Kyle Kuzma put together a good performance.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Suns lost 131-113, unable to cover as 5-point underdogs. Deandre Ayton recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 244 points, which was 5.5 points above the projected point total of 238.5 points. The Lakers’ 6.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Suns, who had a rate of 16.9.
Phoenix comes into the contest with records of 4-18 straight up (SU) and 8-14 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Suns have typically gone under the total (59.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 13-9 SU and 9-13 ATS. Games including the Lakers also have typically gone under the total (63.6 percent).
This contest should be a matchup of opposite styles. Los Angeles prefers an up-tempo style of play (fourth in possessions per game), while Phoenix is methodical (21st in possessions per game).
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 3-8 ATS with 6 overs and 5 unders.
At home, Los Angeles is 5-7 ATS with 8 unders and 4 overs.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 4-0 and Phoenix is 1-1.
The Lakers are 12-8 when they score above 100 points, while the Suns are 4-10.
Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (6.5) while Phoenix ranks 27th (4.0).
The Lakers average 56.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Suns rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.9).
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).
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 ranks ninth in steals per game (8.4) while Phoenix ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (9.3).
The Lakers rank 10 in rebounds per game (46.04545454545455) while the Suns rank 29 (39.77272727272727).
Los Angeles ranks 14 in assists allowed per game (23.545454545454547) while Phoenix ranks 25 (25.318181818181817).
The Suns rank 5 in three pointers allowed per game (28.545454545454547) while the Lakers rank 13 (30.863636363636363).
Los Angeles ranks 21 in second chance points per game (12.681818181818182) while Phoenix ranks 29 (9.409090909090908).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five outings, Phoenix is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders over its last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.8, down from 10.1 for the season.
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).
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