Through 3 Quarters
The Phoenix Suns were expected to win this one, and they are just one quarter away from fulfilling that expectation. They have unwrapped a big 85-73 lead against the Los Angeles Lakers after three quarters.
Phoenix has enjoyed the tag-team combination of shooting guard Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton. The former has shot 5-for-10 from beyond the arc and has recorded 21 points, six assists and nine boards, while the latter has posted a double-double on 17 points and 11 rebounds. This makes it four consecutive games in which Ayton has had at least ten rebounds.
Los Angeles has been led by small forward LeBron James, who so far has 27 points along with five rebounds. A double-double would be LBJ’s third in a row.
Who’s Playing
Phoenix @ Los Angeles
Current Records: Phoenix 24-5; Los Angeles 16-15
What to Know
After three games on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers are heading back home. Los Angeles and the Phoenix Suns will face off in a Pacific Division battle at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Staples Center. The Lakers haven’t won a matchup against Phoenix since May 27th, but they’ll be looking to end the drought.
Los Angeles was within striking distance but couldn’t close the gap on Sunday as they fell 115-110 to the Chicago Bulls. A silver lining for Los Angeles was the play of small forward LeBron James, who posted a double-double on 31 points and 14 rebounds in addition to six assists.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Phoenix at home against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday as the team secured a 137-106 win. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 69-47. The top scorer for the Suns was center JaVale McGee (19 points).
The Lakers are expected to lose this next one by 6.5. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 4-2 against the spread when expected to lose.
Los Angeles is now 16-15 while Phoenix sits at 24-5. Two defensive numbers to keep in mind before tip-off: Los Angeles is fifth worst in the league in points allowed per game, with 111.3 on average. The Suns’ defense has more to brag about, as they they have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 43.60%, which places them third in the league. So the cards are definitely stacked in their favor.
How To Watch
When: Tuesday at 10 p.m. ETWhere: Staples Center — Los Angeles, CaliforniaTV: TNTFollow: CBS Sports AppTicket Cost: $85.00
Odds
The Suns are a solid 6.5-point favorite against the Lakers, according to the latest NBA odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 6.5-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
Los Angeles have won 15 out of their last 29 games against Phoenix.
Oct 22, 2021 – Phoenix 115 vs. Los Angeles 105Jun 03, 2021 – Phoenix 113 vs. Los Angeles 100Jun 01, 2021 – Phoenix 115 vs. Los Angeles 85May 30, 2021 – Phoenix 100 vs. Los Angeles 92May 27, 2021 – Los Angeles 109 vs. Phoenix 95May 25, 2021 – Los Angeles 109 vs. Phoenix 102May 23, 2021 – Phoenix 99 vs. Los Angeles 90May 09, 2021 – Los Angeles 123 vs. Phoenix 110Mar 21, 2021 – Phoenix 111 vs. Los Angeles 94Mar 02, 2021 – Phoenix 114 vs. Los Angeles 104Feb 10, 2020 – Los Angeles 125 vs. Phoenix 100Jan 01, 2020 – Los Angeles 117 vs. Phoenix 107Nov 12, 2019 – Los Angeles 123 vs. Phoenix 115Mar 02, 2019 – Phoenix 118 vs. Los Angeles 109Jan 27, 2019 – Los Angeles 116 vs. Phoenix 102Dec 02, 2018 – Los Angeles 120 vs. Phoenix 96Oct 24, 2018 – Los Angeles 131 vs. Phoenix 113Feb 06, 2018 – Los Angeles 112 vs. Phoenix 93Nov 17, 2017 – Phoenix 122 vs. Los Angeles 113Nov 13, 2017 – Los Angeles 100 vs. Phoenix 93Oct 20, 2017 – Los Angeles 132 vs. Phoenix 130Mar 09, 2017 – Los Angeles 122 vs. Phoenix 110Feb 15, 2017 – Phoenix 137 vs. Los Angeles 101Dec 09, 2016 – Phoenix 119 vs. Los Angeles 115Nov 06, 2016 – Los Angeles 119 vs. Phoenix 108Mar 23, 2016 – Phoenix 119 vs. Los Angeles 107Mar 18, 2016 – Phoenix 95 vs. Los Angeles 90Jan 03, 2016 – Los Angeles 97 vs. Phoenix 77Nov 16, 2015 – Phoenix 120 vs. Los Angeles 101
Injury Report for Los Angeles
LeBron James: Game-Time Decision (Abdomen)Malik Monk: Out (Covid-19)Avery Bradley: Out (Covid-19)Austin Reaves: Out (Covid-19)Kent Bazemore: Out (Covid-19)Kendrick Nunn: Out (Knee)Anthony Davis: Out (Knee)
Injury Report for Phoenix
Abdel Nader: Out (Knee)Frank Kaminsky: Out (Knee)Dario Saric: Out (Knee)
