Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction: Tough test for the hopeful Lakers

It is strange how quickly the NBA Regular Season goes and as we head toward the Postseason, a lot of combinations will be in play. The stakes are high at this point because each win or loss can cause ripples as the Postseason arrives. Anyway, in another crucial game, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to take on the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers come into this game after a close 111:105 win against the Orlando Magic thanks to a career-defining 35 points performance by exciting Guard Austin Reaves. The Lakers have lost three of their five games, but unlike before, most of these losses have been hard-fought and the team depth has been delivering much more. The injury to LeBron impacts things except for a game or two, Anthony Davis has played like an MVP. Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Malik Beasley form a dependable guard trio but the Center and the Wing positions remain thin.

The Suns enter the game after a disappointing 120:124 loss against the Thunder despite a 46 points outburst by Devin Booker. The Suns are no more the invincible force they were during last Regular Season when they dusted off sub-50% win teams like nothing. This time around they themselves have become a sub-50% win team, winning 38 and losing 33 in what has been a rather underwhelming season. Acquiring Kevin Durant has boosted their chances and although he is injured, he is expected to return before the Postseason. Will Booker propel the Suns to something special despite this being a disappointing season thus far?

• Suns: OUT: Deandre Ayton, Kevin Durant;
• Lakers: OUT: LeBron James, Mo Bamba. Game-Time Decision: Anthony Davis.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Devin Booker(34+ Points), Anthony Davis(28+ Points)- GTD;
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Anthony Davis(11+ Rebounds)- GTD, Torrey Craig(6-8 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Chris Paul(9+ Assists), D’Angelo Russell(8+ Assists).

The Suns haven’t exactly played their best basketball and that leaves some breathing room for the Lakers who have displayed some more-than-appreciable camaraderie. It isn’t like that the Lakers have become an elite team or they have seized a Play-in spot but they inspire much more confidence. However, with Booker on fire, you can’t rule out Phoenix but if Davis plays, who will deal with his size and absence in the absence of Suns’ Center Ayton? This can be a thriller and the Lakers may sneak one here. I predict a scoreline of 114:109.