In an upcoming clash, the Los Angeles Lakers (17-7), currently positioned fourth in the Western Conference, will face off against the Phoenix Suns (14-11), who hold the seventh spot. The matchup is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. EST in Phoenix, where the Lakers are favored by two points. The projected over/under for the game is set at 227.5.
This Western Conference rivalry promises to be engaging, as both teams look to solidify their standings. The Suns have demonstrated a strong performance within the Pacific Division, recording a 5-2 record against division rivals. Notably, Phoenix is leading the conference in offensive rebounds, averaging 12.6 per game, with Mark Williams contributing significantly by pulling down an average of 3.1 offensive boards per game.
On the other hand, the Lakers’ record against Pacific Division opponents stands at 2-2. They are shooting at a solid 36.1% from beyond the arc, ranking eighth in the Western Conference. This offensive efficiency becomes crucial as the teams go head-to-head for the second time this season, following the Suns’ victory in their last encounter, where they triumphed 125-108 on December 2.
In terms of scoring, the Suns currently average 114.8 points per game, which is slightly below the 116.8 points the Lakers allow. The Lakers have showcased their offensive prowess by shooting 50.7% from the field, exceeding the 48.1% field goal percentage that their opponents have recorded this season.
Key players stepping into the spotlight include Collin Gillespie for the Suns, who has been averaging 13.1 points while shooting at 43.6%. For the Lakers, Dillon Brooks has been on a scoring spree, averaging 16.0 points over the last ten outings, and Deandre Ayton contributes an average of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds.
Recent performances reveal that the Suns hold a 5-5 record in their last ten games, averaging 108.0 points along with 40.4 rebounds and 23.0 assists. Their shooting percentage stands at 45.0%, but defensively, they’ve allowed opponents to score an average of 115.0 points per game.
In contrast, the Lakers have fared better, with a 7-3 record in their last ten games. They average an impressive 121.2 points, 41.1 rebounds, and 24.7 assists while maintaining a shooting clip of 51.0%. Their opponents have averaged 120.1 points in that same stretch.
Injury concerns loom for both teams. The Suns are dealing with several day-to-day statuses, including Isaiah Livers (hip) and Devin Booker (groin), alongside Jalen Green, who remains sidelined due to a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, the Lakers will miss Austin Reaves, who is out with a calf injury, while Maxi Kleber is also listed as day-to-day due to a back problem.
As the Lakers and Suns prepare to hit the court, fans can expect a thrilling contest that not only impacts the playoff landscape but also showcases some of the league’s top talents.
