The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped two in a row, and the Phoenix Suns have lost five straight. Phoenix will get reinforcements with the return of Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, and both teams will be hungry to get back in the win column.

My Lakers vs. Suns predictions take aim at the point total and two player props with lines set far too low. Read my NBA picks to find out where I’m looking.

Lakers vs Suns prediction

My best bet
Over 234.5 (-110 at bet365)

My analysis
The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers have faced each other twice this season, cashing the Over once when the Lakers won 123-116 at home. The second matchup went for just 214 points and stayed Under.

These two teams hit the Over just once in five meetings last season, but this matchup is different. Tonight’s showdown features two teams desperately searching for a win with some extra incentive from NBA Cup Group Play.

The Suns are 10-6 O/U this season, and the Lakers are 9-7. Phoenix is 4-4 at home and 3-2 O/U as the home favorite. The Lakers are 4-3 to the Over on the road and 2-1 to the Over as the road dog. The Lakers are on a two-game skid, and the Suns have lost five straight. Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant are also expected to return, which only works in our favor.

The Lakers rank ninth in the Association in scoring at 116.1 points per game. They’ve also allowed the seventh-most points per game at 116.9. The Suns have allowed the 10th-most points per game at 114.5.

Phoenix’s offense has sputtered at times, but that’s because of key injuries to Beal and, most importantly, Durant. The Suns have averaged just 109 points per game with Durant out. With Durant available, Phoenix has averaged 114.4, which would rank 12th.

With both teams at full strength, I expect this game to see plenty of scoring and not much defense. I’m taking the Over as the Lakers and Suns give us a thrilling shootout in the desert.

Lakers vs Suns same-game parlay

Over 234.5

Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points

Anthony Davis Over 42.5 points + rebounds + assists

KD’s scoring line is set at a paltry 22.5, and while he’s been sidelined for six straight games, this is the Slim Reaper we’re talking about. He’s not going to come back to the lineup and flop. He’s scored 23+ points in seven of nine appearances and scored 25+ in all seven of those games, so there’s no way I’m taking the original points line at -110 when I can get it at 24.5 for +150.

He scored 30 points in both matchups with the Lakers this season. He averaged 29.6 points in five matchups with L.A. last season and hit the Over three times. This is an easy, plus-money addition to our three-leg parlay.

Like KD, Davis has a line that’s set far too low, and I’m all too happy to take advantage of it. Davis is averaging 44 PRA this season, and he’s cashed the Over in nine of 15 games. His home-road splits are particularly helpful, as well.

At home, he’s averaged just 41.7 PRA compared to 47.4 PRA on the road. He’s hit the Over in five of six away from Crypto.com Arena. AD averaged 47 PRA in two matchups with Phoenix this season and hit the Over in both. This isn’t a scary matchup defensively, and Davis has been dominant this season.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Lakers vs Suns odds

Lakers vs Suns live odds

Lakers vs Suns opening odds

• Spread: Los Angeles +2.5 | Phoenix -2.5
• Moneyline: Los Angeles +115 | Phoenix -135
• Over/Under: Over 234.5 | Under 234.5

Odds courtesy of bet365.

Lakers vs Suns spread and Over/Under analysis

• L.A. has failed to cover in four straight games, dropping the team’s ATS record to 7-9.
• Phoenix is just 1-4 ATS across its five-game losing streak, and the Suns are 5-11 ATS on the season.
• The Lakers have hit the Over in four of their last six, bringing the team’s O/U record to 9-7.
• Despite missing Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant for large stretches of the season, Phoenix is 3-2 across its last five and 10-6 to the Over on the season.

Lakers vs Suns trend

The Lakers won the first three matchups against the Suns last season, but Phoenix closed out the season series with two straight victories. After a split in the first two head-to-heads of 2024-25, the Suns have won three of the last four against the Lakers. The home team has won the last three and five of the last seven. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Suns.

How to watch Lakers vs Suns

Lakers vs Suns latest injuries

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