Both the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers are coming off victories in their respective openers, and with the two sides set to square off on Friday night, our friends at FanDuel have the Lakers as the betting favorites on their home floor at Crypto.com Arena.
To set up this showdown in the Western Conference, here's a spread, moneyline, total, and player prop wager you should consider for the action on October 25, 2024.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
Preview: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | +2.5 (-110) | +124 | O 229 (-108) |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -2.5 (-110) | -146 | U 229 (-112) |
Odds as of October 24, 2024 at FanDuel
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Expert Picks
Los Angeles Lakers ATS -2.5 (-110), ML (-146)
A 110-103 Lakers victory over a championship contender in the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday opened a lot of eyes as new head coach JJ Redick manned the sidelines for the first time. The offense was more fluid with the ball moving from side to side, more often than not landing in the hands of Anthony Davis en route to his line of 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three blocked shots.
If making Davis more of a priority on the offensive end is Redick's long-term plan for the Lakers, then they'll be in good shape. It's not a knock on teammate LeBron James, but the transition to making Los Angeles definitively Davis' team needs to get underway. Should that carry over to game No. 2 on the schedule, then Phoenix will have a hard time keeping up as its roster lacks the defensive stopping power to throw at someone of Davis' size and skill.
Los Angeles took three of five meetings with the Suns last season, although none of the wins came by more than five points. When Phoenix prevailed on two occasions, the average margin of victory was 13 points. It needed overtime on Wednesday to defeat the lowly Los Angeles Clippers, and while the offense looked sharp, the defense continues to be a glaring issue. That won't cut it against Davis, James, and company, which is why the purple and gold is rightfully favored.
UNDER 229 Total Points (-108)
The average total prop for the Suns and Lakers in 2023-24 was 232.5 points, with the UNDER connecting four out of the five times. However, in the two most recent matchups, the final totals would have exceeded Friday's number of 229 points.
Phoenix only mustered up 103 points at the end of 48 minutes against a subpar Clippers defense, and the Lakers are undoubtedly a step up on that end. That could keep the scoreboard relatively tame, which makes yet another UNDER the more enticing play.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Player Prop
Anthony Davis OVER 37.5 Points + Rebounds
Davis has hit the OVER in 10 of his last 15 appearances, excluding the preseason, and did so at a 52.4-percent hit rate in 2023-24.
Phoenix struggles to defend the interior, so look for Davis to exploit matchups in the paint area and put forth another sensational stat sheet.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
- The Phoenix Suns are 6-12 against the spread in their last 18 games (excluding preseason) as an underdog.
- The Los Angeles Lakers are 19-9 in their last 28 games at home.
- The OVER as connected in 16 of the Lakers' last 22 games as the betting favorite.
