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After a solid and rather unexpected 3-0 start to their season, the LA Lakers hit the road for a five-game away stretch. They take on the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Arena on Monday (Oct. 28). This will be the second time the two Pacific Division rivals face off in less than a week.
The last time both teams faced off, the Lakers overcame a 22-point deficit and rode on an Anthony Davis masterclass to notch up a 123-116 win. They followed it up with another 131-127 dub over the Sacramento Kings. The Purple and Gold have looked like a different unit under new head coach JJ Redick and will hope to capitalize on their solid run so far with a challenging road trip up ahead.
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The Suns made amends for the loss with a thumping 114-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks. They are 2-1 to start the season and are placed fifth in the West at the time of writing.
The Lakers can make another statement — by winning their first road trip which they have failed to do in the last couple of seasons. Not only do the wins separate them from the rest of the pack, but a winning record will also place them in a healthy position to gain an advantage in a stern Western Conference.
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Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers tips off at 10 pm EDT. Local coverage will be on Spectrum SportsNet and NBA TV. The game also be watched live on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here's a look at the odds ahead of the Monday matchup:
Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers preview
The one way LA can beat the Suns again is by outshooting their opponents. The likes of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant buried them in 3s early on in the first half by making eight of their 11 three-pointers. While the Lakers eventually found their groove and went 5-7 from downtown, the focus will be on not to get outpaced and outshot. For this to happen, they will need big games from Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell and Max Christie.
Beating them in the paint will be LA's mantra again. In a two-way big like Davis and a freight train in James, the Suns will have a hard time if these two players exploit Phoenix's interior defense that has allowed their opponents to creep back into the game.
The deciding factor that often goes unnoticed is how the role players fare in instances when the big guns sit out. Both sides have a bench that needs stepping up in the games to come and if they can build on the momentum their superstar names set. The Lakers are weak on that aspect with the likes of Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt missing out.
The Suns will be sweating over Bradley Beal's fitness. The F/G was listed as questionable heading into the contest, and his absence will dent their offense if Durant or Booker have an off night. Will home advantage bring in the Suns their second win?
Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers predicted starting lineup
The Lakers haven't listed superstars James and Davis on their injury list. This would mean fielding the usual starters.
Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Jaxson Hayes will form their bench unit.
LA Lakers injuries: Christian Koloko (illness), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), and Christian Wood (knee) are all out of the contest. Jalen Hood-Schifino (G-League), Maxwell Lewis (G-League), Quincy Olivari (G-League two-way), and Armel Traore (G-League two-way) are on South Bay Lakers duties.
The Suns will likely field Royce O'Neal in the lineup if Beal sits out of the game.
Phoenix Suns Injuries: Bradley Beal (shoulder) is questionable. Josh Okogie (hamstring) is ruled out.
Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers betting tips
Anthony Davis is -113u on points leading into the matchup. D'Angelo Russell is over -128u on points. For the Suns, keep an eye on Kevin Durant (-115u on points), while Jurkic is +100 over on rebounds.
Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers prediction
The Lakers head into the contest as favorites but will have to avoid complacency if they intend to start off their road trip with a win. The Suns will look for payback on their home turf and will feel confident of getting past the LA threat. Take the Suns for a close win and break LA's winning streak.
Phoenix Suns Fans? Check out the latest Suns depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.
