NBA Betting Preview – LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
The oddsmakers are banking on the Lakers and Suns going in to a scoring fiesta on the first day after the Christmas weekend. It hasn’t been a kind weekend for either team. The Lakers lost on Christmas as LeBron James powered the Cleveland Cavs past L.A. to the tune of 102-87. The next day, the Suns lost to the Golden State Warriors 127-132. Even though Kobe notched a win over Sacramento on Saturday, the Lakers must keep the ball rolling. As the fans let him know on Christmas, they won’t tolerate losing to big ticket teams and Phoenix is one of those radar teams.
The Lakers have been underachieving on the betting line recently going 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games. Though they’re 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games against Phoenix and undefeated in their last five games on the road overall, the Lakers have had trouble against Phoenix when playing the role of visitor. The Lakers are 4-13 SU when playing at the US Airways Center and if the TOTAL looks staggering, let’s not forget that the OVER has been the bet to make in this matchup in 4 of the last 6.
Los Angeles pk -100 vs Phoenix >> Join to Bet Now
The Suns are just 2-4 SU/ATS in their last 6 games overall, and are struggling for consistency and balance, but they’re a stiff 20-2 SU at home. It won’t come easily against the Lakers. Kobe Bryant has averaged 38.0 points in three games this season against the Suns. For their part, Phoenix has given up an average of 112.8 points per game in their last four matchups.
Los Angeles Lakers (24-5) vs. Phoenix Suns (19-12)
Monday, December 28th
US Airways Center, Phoenix — 9:00pm EST
NBA Betting Line: PK (215.5)
The big question mark for L.A. is the condition of Ron Artest, who is nursing a concussion. He was brought on board to terrorize the big men of opposing teams, and that’s exactly what he did against Amare Stoudemire. Artest notched 15-5 and 5 steals when he played Amare last.
Kobe Bryant also has a lingering elbow injury from the Sacramento game but is very likely to play. Considering that he performs so well against the Suns, and that this game will have the tiniest betting spread imaginable, the Lakers are a solid pick.
You might think that Nash will be able to run circles around the Lakers, but the Suns are winless in their last six games when Nash plays against L.A. Take the Lakers and enjoy the countdown to the New Year.
Furious Free Pick: Lakers (UNDER)
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