Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers Prediction: Fatigued Lakers take on the barrage of the Suns

As someone who writes about NBA daily, I can’t tell you how many twists and turns each season takes. This season has been another topsy-turvy story. The defending champions Warriors are struggling while some teams like Utah Jazz that were expected to fall have posted winning records. Then there are teams that can post winning records but will need to do much more as they have set high standards. One of those teams, the Phoenix Suns takes on the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Suns had a remarkable turnaround against the Pelicans and enter the game after beating them 118:114 as Devin Booker erupted for an amazing 58 points effort. The Suns trailed the game by 17 points at the half but then they rode the hot hand of Booker and tightened their defense to bring big gains. This was their second win in a row after they had lost five in a row. They still have a respectable record of 18 wins and 12 losses, but last season the Suns hadn’t lost 12 games until way after the midseason window which means their start hasn’t gone the way they want.

The Lakers come into this game after defeating 119:117 as LeBron James racked up 33 points and the game-winning assist to a cutting Thomas Bryant who made the game-clinching dunk. This was the second win in a row for the Lakers, which has still a lot of ground to cover after losing 16 and winning just 13 games. The Lakers are going to be without their best defender and elite scorer Anthony Davis for a month and Russell Westbrook remains an inconsistent player, despite stringing together some strong games. The Lakers do have a solid role player in Lonnie Walker IV but they need something extraordinary from the team now.

The Suns will be confident about their chances after spoiling Pelicans’ party. The availability of Devin Booker is going to play a pivotal role but Chris Paul showed some signs of returning to form. If Deandre Ayton is available, I see the Lakers’ chances take a big hit. They just played last night and run into a Suns team that will be fresh after a day’s rest and will have the home-court advantage. I see the Lakers putting up an initial fight but then faltering late. I believe the scoreline will be 120:110 in favor of the Suns.