Free NBA Pick: Lakers vs. Suns NBA Odds
Looking for Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Lakers taking on the Suns on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021, at the Phoenix Suns Arena. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Lakers Suns matchup.
2021 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 1
(0-1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns (1-0)
Date: Tuesday, May 25th
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Venue: Phoenix Suns Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
NBA Moneyline Odds: Lakers -119 | Suns +108
NBA Betting Odds: Lakers -1.5
NBA Betting Total: 208.5
Phoenix won the opening game of the series 99-90 versus the Los Angeles Lakers and tip-off at 10:00 pm Tuesday. The Suns are 15-1 when they hold teams under 100 points.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James led his squad with 18 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals, and an uncharacteristic five turnovers. He was by far the best Laker but not the best player on the floor Sunday.
It was expected that Anthony Davis would feast after producing 42 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three blocks on May 9th.
However, as AD is sometimes wont to do – – he looked almost disinterested as the Suns played him physically while his counterpart Deandre Ayton outplayed him.
Davis shot 5 of 16 for 13 points adding seven rebounds, two assists, and three blocks. Four other Lakers reached double-digit scoring but in truth, LA remained in the match mostly due to the 28-12 free throw disparity they were afforded.
It was a chippy match and given the injury (see below) it demonstrated just how deep this young Suns squad is and how adept they are on both sides of the hardwood.
Phoenix Suns
In the second quarter, the Suns led 38-29 when Suns captain Chris Paul went down clutching his shoulder and the immediate thought was ‘oh no, not again’.
By the time he returned to the court his team had allowed LA to narrow the margin to three points, took a breath, composed themselves, and built back their nine-point lead.
It demonstrated just how much this Suns team has grown and believes in their ability.
Paul was clearly affected by the injury having issues with handling the ball and shooting. I’m guessing he either had a shot to numb the shoulder or the injury affected his ability to feel the ball (again, that’s a guess, I have no direct information).
Still, the man is called the Point God for a reason as he impacted the game in all areas with seven points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and a block. Paul did just enough to keep the Lakers honest, often serving as a decoy for his teammates to get better shots.
Devin Booker who waited six years for this moment didn’t disappoint as he dominated with 34 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and a steal.
Coach Monty Williams clearly expected the double-teaming of his star and ran several double screens to free up Booker who wisely read the play either finding a scoring option or an open teammate.
Deandre Ayton showed no signs of nerves registering a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds (eight offensive). Mikal Bridges scored 10 points but made his impact defensively and will only improve as the series extends.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Lakers are 7-3 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Lakers are 6-4 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over/Under is 4-6 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
Free Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns NBA Prediction:
The health of Paul is the big question for Game 2 and while I know the adage is if you can walk, you can play — is that the wisest decision?
CP3 told reporters he’ll suit up Tuesday but depending on the severity of the injury it might behoove the Suns to get him treatment and bring him back Thursday. Especially, since you can bet the Lakers will be much more aggressive.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Lakers ATS
Notably, the Suns exposed the Lakers’ weakness which is if the two-headed superstar beast isn’t scoring the team struggles especially versus a solid defensive unit like the Suns.
Moreover, for as much as the Lakers didn’t play to their potential, the Suns can play better too. To wit, Phoenix starters outscored the Lakers 80 to 64 with Paul, Crowder, and Bridges scoring a cumulative 25 points. They typically average 40.
That said, the officials gave a nod to how they’ll call this series with LA getting more than double free throw attempts on the road (28-12). With that, for as much as my gut says Phoenix is the better “team”, the Lakers still have the best player.
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