NBA Cup Predictions Tonight (November 26): Lakers vs Suns Betting Odds and Best Bets

NBA Cup games are back, and we have an exciting showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers (10-6, 3-4 away) and the Phoenix Suns (9-7, 5-3 home). Losers of two straight and four of the last five, the return of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal is imperative. With two weeks to go in the tournament, both teams will battle it out for the West: Group B.

 (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Slightly different from last year's NBA tournament, the Lakers lead the group 2-0 with a +11 point differential. Trailing in fourth place are the 1-1 Suns. Sporting an 8-point differential means victory is a must for Phoenix.

The Lakers have struggled, dropping the last two matchups vs the Nuggets and Magic after blazing through a six-game win streak. Demolished 127-102 by the Nuggets, the Lakers can't let teams bully them from the field (61 %). Dominated on the boards, the Nuggets had an excellent second half, shooting 50 % from beyond the arc. With minimal offense aside from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and company must step up today.

If you're a Suns fan or simply a bettor, there's excellent news on the horizon. Tonight marks the return of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. While the Suns heavily rely on their big three (Devin Booker, Durant, Beal), their homecoming should be quite impactful. In an attempt to stop the bleeding, this is a Suns team that's dropped six straight.  While their schedule has been demanding, they will have another challenging matchup vs. the Lakers today.

Odds Are Current As Of November 26 AT 12 P.M. ET

In what is considered the matchup of the night, there will be a ton of star power present for tonight's outing. Will LeBron James and Anthony Davis upset Beal, Booker, and Durant at home? 3-1 in their last head-to-head matchups, the Suns say otherwise.

With an NBA betting record of 43-22, I am up over 5 units in November. Breaking down the matchup tonight, I will dish out my three best bets for the Cup outing today. But first, let's analyze the current odds, and injury report for the Lakers vs Suns game.

Looking to stay red hot this month, here are my top three best bets of today. All placed as separate wagers, i've placed a mix of bets within FanDuel and DraftKings Sportsbook.

With the late night tip-off schedule for 10 p.m. ET, the Lakers vs Suns matchup will air on prime time TNT.

Are you looking to bet on the NBA with us all season long? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here. 

NBA Cup Bets: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns DraftKings Betting Odds For November 26

MONEY LINE

• LOS ANGELES LAKERS: +114
• PHOENIX SUNS: -135

SPREAD

• LOS ANGELES LAKERS: +2.5 (-112)
• PHOENIX SUNS: -2.5 (-108)

OVER/UNDER (TOTAL)

• OVER: 234.5 (1-08)
• UNDER: 234.5 (-112)

Last Five H2H Matchups: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

• October 28, 2024: Suns 109, Lakers 105 ( LA +4.5, under 229.5)
• October 25, 2024: Lakers 123, Suns 116 (LA -1.5, over 228)
• February 25, 2024: Suns 123, Lakers 113 (Phoenix -3.5, under 241)
• January 11, 2024: Suns 124, Lakers 109 (Phoenix -1.0, under 238.5)
• December 5, 2023: Lakers 106, Suns 103 (Lakers -2, under 232.5)

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Injury Report

LAKERS

1. Bronny James, G: OUT (Heel)
2. Anthony Davis, PF: Day-To-Day (Foot)
3. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF: OUT (Foot)
4. Christian Wood, F: OUT (Knee)

SUNS

1. Collin Gillespie, G: OUT (Ankle)

NBA Cup Best Bets and Predictions for Tuesday, November 26: Lakers vs Suns

NBA Totals Bet: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

• Over 234.5 Points (-108 DraftKings)

LA Lakers 2024-2025 O/U Record: 9-7
Phoenix Suns 2024-2024 O/U Record:  10-6

My best bet of today, I placed one unit on the Lakers and Suns to combine for over 234.5 points tonight for -108 odds on DraftKings. First off, the whole gang is back. Given both sides starting five's fairly healthy, this should be a fun yet competitive Cup matchup between the two. With that said, a combination of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker should generate a ton of offense.

With the stars healthy for Phoenix, they've missed Durant and Beal for a combined seven games. While the stats may be slightly flawed without them, they tanked in terms of defensive stats. Allowing the 21st most points per game (114.5), the Suns now face a Lakers squad, who boasts the fourth best offensive rating in the NBA (117.1).

While the Suns offense has been relatively stagnant, they've struggled to put up points without two of their biggest stars. Whether health is sustainable, we'll look at the short term outcome for tonight. However, reunited tonight, both Durant and Beal should provide a gigantic spark on the offensive end. Before injuries,

• Durant was averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Appearing in nine games, Beal was putting up 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

Both The Lakers And Suns Are At Full Strength

Given all three stars are more than capable of taking over with 20+ points, this is a team that's extremely tough to guard on both the weak and strong side of the ball. While the depth isn't as great as other teams, it's more than last year. With Tyus Jones arguably one of the most underrated off season pickups, the Suns have solid bench options in Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, and Royce O'Neale.

Boasting a 10-6 O/U record, the Suns starting off, winning 8 of their first 10 games with the big three in the lineup.  With Durant, Booker, and Beal in the lineup, the Suns got off to a 5-5 O/U record to start the season, averaging over 114 points through the first nine games. With just Booker carrying the offense since, they've struggled big time. Over their five game losing skid, the Suns are averaging just 105 points per game. Out of those matchups, Phoenix was held to 99 points and under vs the Magic and Thunder.

Why The Suns Can Excel Vs The Lakers Defense

One of the worst teams among the perimeter (37.7 5), the Suns will face the Lakers, who's struggled defensively under new head coach JJ Redick. Although both teams necessarily possess great pace, the Lakers rank 27th in defensive rating (117.9), allowing the 7th most points per game (116.9). One of the more powerful teams on the offensive end, LeBron James is proving he's aging in reverse. With Anthony Davis fairly healthy, the Lakers have a ton of depth. However, that's translated into the second fewest bench points in the NBA.

Given tonight is a Cup matchup, it's unclear if Durant or Beal will be on minutes restrictions. However, with point differential in mind, I expect both sets of starters to log heavy minutes. Although the season series is split 1-1, Phoenix leads 3-1 in the last 4 outings.

All season long, the Lakers have struggled to contain defenses. Giving up 127 to the Nuggets, they allowed Denver to shoot 60 and 50 percent from the field and three-point range. Defeated by one point against the Magic, we saw Franz Wagner destroy LA for 37 points. Prior to that, the Jazz and San Antonio scored 118 and 120.

Even with Davis, the Lakers haven't been able to stop anyone in the paint, allowing the fourth most points inside (54.1). Nearly giving up the most fast break points to opponents, this is a team that's struggled with second chance points, and field goal percentage all season long.

Now they get another rematch after a 109-105 loss in October. Shooting 41 percent from the field, I highly doubt LeBron will repeat a 3-14 performance. Equally painful on the other side, Booker was limited to 11-23 from the field.

Final NBA Cup Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Lakers vs Suns OVER 234.5 Points (-108 DraftKings)

I more or less expect this matchup to equate the Lakers 123-116 victory over Phoenix in late October. With the big 3 on the court, they combined for 68 of the Sun's 116 points. With 30 bench points, Phoenix shot extremely well from the floor (51 %) and downtown (46 %).

Thanks to Davis's 35 points, Austin Reaves erupted for 26 in the starting lineup. While both teams struggled to play a lick of defense, the Lakers shot at a high clip, 53.3 % from the field, and 51.9 % from the floor.

If you're tailing my best bets today, I don't think this matchup will soar incredibly over 234.5.  While I do have the Suns -3 and the money line, this total will be close. While the under has hit just once in the last five head-to-head matchups, there will be a great incentive for both team's to put up points tonight. The reigning NBA In-Season Tournament Champions, every point counts for the Lakers. Both of these teams should finish in playoff contention.

• With the exceptional value, I expect there to be a shootout in the valley. Give me Lakers vs Suns OVER 234.5 points. 

 NBA Player Prop Best Bet #1: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 9 | PPG: 27.6 | FG: 55.3 % | FT: 83.6 % | 3PT : 42.9 % | REB: 6.6 | AST: 3.4 | STL: 0.8 | BLK: 1.4

• Over 24.5 Points + Assists (-125 DraftKings)

My second best bet of today, I placed one unit on Suns star Kevin Durant to record over 24.5 points and assists. Say what you want, but KD is one of the best to ever step on the hardwood.  By no means am I disrespecting Bradley Beal, but Durant remains the heartbeat of this team. 1-6 without Durant, Phoenix will rely on him the most.

The Kevin Durant vs LeBron James narrative has been one of the best matchups of all-time. We all know as bettors what Durant is capable of. Although a small sample size, KD's averaging 27.6 points alone on the season. While I don't normally bet on players returning from injury, there's no one I trust more than KD.

Kevin Durant Is Averaging 30 Points vs The Lakers This Season

Having himself a nice 50/40 season thus far, Durant hasn't played a game since November 8. However, we all know Durant's is more than capable of this prop line. To play it safe, I threw in the assists plus points.

In the first matchup vs the lakers back on October 25, we saw KD light up the Lakers for 30 points and 6.0 assists, on 11-17 from the field. While the Suns suffered a 123-116 loss, it's unclear if Durant can match the 39 minutes played. Even with Booker and Beal in the lineup, Durant put up the second most shot attempts (17).

On the last outing on October 28, KD poured in another 30 bomb and four assists. This time logging 38 minutes, KD finished 11-20 from the floor. In both games, free-throws were a crucial x-factor in Durant points prop. Luckily for Durant, the Lakers allow the 8th highest free-throw percentage (79.2 %). Perhaps the fans in the desert should help with that tonight.

Final NBA Cup Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Kevin Durant OVER 24.5 Points + Assists (-125 DraftKings)

If you remember, Durant had multiple buckets which secured the victory for the Suns. Assuming this is another competitive game, I expect Durant to explode for a good portion of the offense.

While returning from injury is the only factor, Durant is averaging 30 points, 5.0 assists, on 44.4 three-point % vs the Lakers this year.  With a history of torching the Lakers, KD is averaging nearly 28 points and 5.3 dimes in the last ten vs LA. Durant will either hit the Lakers with that dead midrange or step back three.

If you're tailing my best player prop bets today, the Lakers are allowing the second most points and assists to forwards this season. While defensive struggle has been a focal point, we've seen six straight forwards cook up the Lakers for both points and assists. I truly love this primetime return matchup for KD.

• Either way, this prop line is way too low. Expect Durant to come out firing on all cylinders. For that reason, I'll take Kevin Durant OVER 24.5 points and assists. 

 NBA Player Prop Best Bet #2: Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 11 | PPG: 12.5 | FG: 43 % | FT: 82.6 % | 3PT : 50 % | REB: 5.7 | AST: 1.6 | STL: 0.7| BLK: 0.5

• Over 1.5 Made Threes (+102 FanDuel)

My last best bet of today, I placed one unit on Lakers forward Rui Hachimura to record over 1.5 made threes tonight vs the Suns. When healthy, Hachimura has been extremely impressive. A difference maker in this Lakers lineup, the forward is averaging a career-high 50 % from three-point range.

A viable three-point threat for LA, we saw Hachimura have an impressive first month of the season. Scorching the Suns for 20 points, it was Hachimura who led the Lakers aside from Davis with 8-18 shooting. Hitting all trey balls, I love this matchup for several reasons.

We know Hachimura can let it fly vs the Suns, they allow the second most three-pointers to forwards. Given LA allows opponents to shoot over 36 % from beyond the arc, this is a strong play tonight. Especially since OG Anunoby (2), Franz Wagner (4), Julius Randle (5), Trey Lyles (3), and John Collins (3) all found success behind the three-point line.

Back from injury, Hachmiura had a tough stretch in early November. However, he's managed to find the open looks, hitting 2+ made threes in 5 of 6 games this month. As a whole, he's had just three games with less than 2+ trey balls. Combined that with a 50 percent hit rate, I'll take that all day long against a unstable Lakers defense.

Final NBA Cup Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Rui Hachimura OVER 1.5 Made Threes (+102 FanDuel)

The fourth scoring option behind Davis, James, and Reaves, Hachimura is averaging 12.5 points this season. Proving he can contribute with some solid performances, he must perform well to stay in the starting lineup.

If you haven't heard of rookie Dalton Knecht, he's waiting for his chance off the bench. For plus money, how can I ignore a player prop that's hit the over in 8/11 games? Since the line is not moving, the matchup makes it even more enticing.

With increasing three-point volume, Hachimura has soared over this player prop twice now vs the Lakers. With 7 three-point attempts in two games, I like Rui Hachimura to record OVER 1.5 made threes.