by Rod Pearson
Friday, Apr 07, 2023
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET, Friday, April 7, 2023
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: NBA TV
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Suns +5, Lakers -5; Over/Under: 226 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Suns +5, Lakers -5; Over/Under: 226 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Suns +5, Lakers -5; Over/Under: 225.5 points
Season Record
Phoenix Suns: 44-35 (2nd place, Pacific Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 41-39 (5th place, Pacific Division)
Do not miss out on our expert handicapper analysis! Jack Banks is on a HOT STREAK in the NBA: 107-68 Run! Make sure you check out his picks and many more from the expert handicappers featured in the Shop Picks section.
Recent Form
Phoenix Suns: 7-3 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 7-3 last 10
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Suns are coming into this game with a 44-35 record overall and they are 17-23 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They still have a game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday which needs to be played first as this is the 2nd leg of a back-to-back for them on Friday. They are entering this game on a 6 game winning streak with wins coming against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Utah Jazz, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs in their last game. Devin Booker led the team in points in that game with 27 while Chris Paul was next on the team with 22 points. Josh Okogie, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Torrey Craig, Landry Shamet, and Terrence Ross each led the team in assists in that game with 3 while Deandre Ayton led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 48.3% from the field, 30.3% from 3-point range, and 73.1% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113.7 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 111.3 PPG against them. The Suns have an ATS record of 41-36-2 this season and their O/U record is 39-38-2.
The Lakers are coming into this game with a 41-39 record overall and they are 21-18 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off of a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game. LeBron James led the team in points in that game with 33 while Austin Reaves was next on the team with 20 points. LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell each led the team in assists in that game with 7 while Anthony Davis led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 50.6% from the field, 41.4% from 3-point range, and 66.7% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 117 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 116.7 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 39-40-1 this season and their O/U record is 42-38.
Suns vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Lakers listed as a 5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Lakers are only 41-39 overall this season and are 21-18 in their home games but they have been playing a lot better over the last few weeks as they make a push for the playoffs. The Suns have been having a much better season with their 44-35 record overall but they have been terrible in their road games with a 17-23 road record. The Suns are also going to be on a back-to-back here and they have already clinched their playoff spot so they really have nothing left to play for. The Lakers are in a play-in spot right now but they still have a chance to move up into an actual playoff spot so they will be motivated to win here and stay hot going into the playoffs and a potential play-in game too. The best way to place a bet here is on the Lakers to cover the spread in this game.
Suns Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Friday, April 7, 2023 (10:30 pm ET start time) is Lakers 122 Suns 102.
Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert basketball picks today. And if you enjoyed this Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Lakers prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our weekly NBA predictions and previews.
NBA Betting Trends
Phoenix Suns: 28-13 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more. 30-21 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent. 16-6 UNDER revenging a road loss vs opponent.
Los Angeles Lakers: 18-32 ATS vs. division opponents. 14-23 ATS after playing a road game. 8-5 UNDER after a division game.
Key Injuries
Phoenix Suns: None.
Los Angeles Lakers: None.
Notable Quotes
“I never thought I'd have to tell a Hall of Fame player to shoot the ball. Kevin and Book are going nuts because they all want him to shoot.” - Monty Williams after his team’s win against the Spurs in their game on Tuesday.
“It was one of those scheduling conflicts. It definitely got the best of us tonight.” - LeBron James after their loss against the Clippers in their game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
Phoenix Suns
PG Chris Paul
SG Devin Booker
SF Josh Okogie
PF Kevin Durant
C Deandre Ayton
Los Angeles Lakers
PG D'Angelo Russell
SG Austin Reaves
SF LeBron James
PF Jarred Vanderbilt
C Anthony Davis
Statistical Leaders
Phoenix Suns
PPG: K. Durant (29.1)
APG: C. Paul (9)
Reb/G: D. Ayton (10)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. James (29)
APG: L. James (6.8)
Reb/G: A. Davis (12.4)
Coaches:
Phoenix Suns: Monty Williams (4th season)
Los Angeles Lakers: Darvin Ham (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
