NBA Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers| Odds, Picks and Predictions: 03/22/2023

Suns vs Lakers Preview

Phoenix Suns (38-33) vs Los Angeles Lakers (35-37).

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western Conference battle at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Phoenix enters as a 2.0-point favorite with the total set at 227.5 points.

Phoenix has won both meetings between these teams and has defeated Los Angeles nine straight times, with the last four taking place in Phoenix. Conversely, the Lakers have taken all four meetings between these sides in Los Angeles recently.

On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers (35-37, 34-37-1 ATS) defeated the Orlando Magic 111-105 to snap a two-game losing streak. Los Angeles remains outside of the playoff picture - 0.5 games behind Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Utah - and are 19-17 at home.
Los Angeles took a 10-point lead into the halftime break, but Orlando rallied in the third quarter and closed within three. Reaves hit 16 of 18 free throws - including 10 down the stretch - to secure victory and put up his career-high 35 points off the bench. Overall, Los Angeles went 26-32 from the free throw line for their game-winning effort; Orlando finished with 13-17.

Los Angeles is a strong offensive team, ranking eighth in points per game (116.4) and led by their impressive rebounding, which they average 45.6 per game - fifth overall. Los Angeles has allowed 110.0 points per game over their last five matches but have been much better defensively at home this season (allowing 113.9 points per contest vs 116.8 at home).

On Sunday, the Phoenix Suns (38-33, 37-33-1 ATS) suffered their fourth loss in five games to Oklahoma City Thunder and remain in fourth place in Western Conference standings, 0.5 games ahead of Los Angeles Clippers. As a team, Phoenix has gone 15-21 on the road this season; losing its last two road contests.

Phoenix held a 12-point lead heading into the halftime break, but Oklahoma City cut that margin in half at the end of the third quarter before pulling away in the fourth. While Phoenix made 15 of their 36 three-pointers (41.7%), they fell short at the free throw line where they went 17-24 while Oklahoma City finished with 29-36. Devin Booker led all scorers with 46 points for Phoenix.

Phoenix has been a remarkably good defensive team this season, ranking fourth in points allowed per game (111.6) and sixth in opponent field-goal percentage (46.6%). Unfortunately, their defense has struggled over their last five games, allowing 120.8 points per game on 49.9% shooting from opponents.

Head to Head

Suns vs Lakers Head-to-Head this season.
The Suns have won both games in Phoenix.

Team Leaders

Our Betting Pick for Today
Betting on the game! Lakers +2
Over the last couple of seasons, the Phoenix Suns have consistently outscored the Los Angeles Lakers by winning nine straight games. But they enter this contest struggling, having lost four of their last five and conceding at least 123 points in three of those five contests; their opponent has allowed 113 or more in all five contests.

Los Angeles is more proficient offensively than they are defensively, though the Suns don't boast a stellar offense either. So L.A. can use their talented offense to outpace their rivals. In their last nine matches, the Lakers have held eight opponents to 110 points or fewer.

Bet the over on this game. Both teams are good at scoring points ad I look for the game to be played in the 122-110 range with the Lakers winning.

Celtics vs Kings How to Watch 🏀

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 22

🕚 Game Time: 10:10 pm

📺 How to Watch: NBA

Venue: Crypto.com Arena