Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers 3/22/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
The Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western Conference showdown at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET. In their previous game, the Suns (38-33, 37-33-1 ATS) suffered a close 124-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite leading by 12 points at halftime, the Suns couldn’t hold on, losing their fourth game in their last five. The Suns have also lost their last two road games and have an overall record of 15-21 on the road this season. Devin Booker had an impressive performance, scoring 46 points in the loss.
While the Suns were a strong defensive team this season, ranking sixth in opponent field goal percentage (46.6%) and fourth in points allowed per game (111.6), their defense has struggled in the past five games, allowing an average of 120.8 points per game and a 49.9% shooting percentage by their opponents. The Suns are currently ranked 0.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference standings.
- Phoenix is 8-1 ATS in their last 9 matches over the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The Phoenix Suns are 9-0 SU in their last 9 games against LA Lakers.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Phoenix’s last 5 games on the road.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers 3/22/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers (35-37, 34-37-1 ATS) managed to snap a two-game losing streak with a 111-105 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. The Lakers, who are currently half a game behind Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Utah in the playoff race, have a home record of 19-17. Despite leading by 10 points at halftime, Los Angeles saw Orlando narrow the gap to three points in the third quarter. However, it was the Lakers’ reserve player Reeves who made 16 of her 18 free throw attempts, including 10 in the final seconds, to secure the win. Reeves contributed a game-high 35 points to the Lakers’ cause. Los Angeles struggled from the free-throw line, shooting only 26-32, while Orlando made 13-17.
Although the Lakers are a strong offensive team, ranked tenth in points scored per game (116.4), their superior rebounding was the deciding factor in the game, as they are ranked sixth in the league with 45.6 rebounds per game. In their last five games, Los Angeles has allowed an average of 110.0 points per game. However, their home defense has been less impressive this season, conceding an average of 113.9 points per game while scoring an average of 116.8 points per game.
- The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Lakers’ last 10 games at home.
- LA Lakers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix.
- The total went UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers’ last 6 games with a team in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA pick for this game is the Los Angeles Lakers. Recently, the Phoenix Suns have had a strong record against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning nine straight games. However, Phoenix has struggled defensively in their past five games, giving up at least 113 points in all of them. While the Suns are not a strong offensive team, the Lakers have a better offense than defense and can control the pace of the game. The Lakers have held eight of their last nine opponents to 110 points or fewer and are predicted to win with a score of 116-113.
NBA Starting Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: Crypto.com Arena, CA
Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2023
TV: ESPN
NBA Odds: Phoenix Suns -1
NBA Totals: 227.5
