Phoenix (31-36) at LA Lakers (40-25)
- When: Mar 16 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: ABC
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns: Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: LA Lakers -3.0 | Total: 229.0
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers return home desperate to snap a four-game losing streak after a disappointing 0-4 road trip. Once seen as title contenders during their eight-game winning streak, Los Angeles has now slipped to the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Their most recent loss, a 131-126 defeat to Denver, saw Austin Reaves explode for 37 points, while Dalton Knecht added 32 in a shorthanded lineup. LeBron James (groin strain) remains out, but the Lakers could get Luka Doncic (calf, ankle) and Rui Hachimura (knee) back for this home contest.
Despite missing key pieces, Los Angeles nearly pulled off an upset against the defending champs, leading 126-123 with under a minute to play before falling apart late.
Reaves remains confident in the team’s potential:
“We know when we’re fully healthy, we can beat anybody. Even being short-handed, we went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the league.”
With LeBron still sidelined, the Lakers will need strong performances from Reaves and Knecht again, while Doncic’s potential return would be a major boost. The Lakers are looking for a season split with Phoenix after losing two of their first three matchups.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns are fighting for their Play-In lives, currently 11th in the Western Conference. However, their hopes got a huge boost after a 122-106 win over Sacramento on Friday.
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant each scored 22 points, while Tyus Jones chipped in 20 in a game where Phoenix drilled 24 three-pointers and scored 38 points off turnovers.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized how crucial their aggressive defense was:
“We’ve been on the wrong side of turnovers too often. But tonight, we flipped it and turned those into easy baskets.”
However, Phoenix will once again be without Grayson Allen (foot) and Nick Richards (ankle), while Mason Plumlee’s status remains uncertain after being ejected for the second straight game.
Plumlee’s absence could be a factor, as rookie Oso Ighodaro was forced to step up in his place, finishing with 11 points and six rebounds in 32 minutes.
Durant defended his teammate after his ejection:
“We know Mason’s just trying to be physical and set a tone for us. We’ve got his back.”
The Suns’ ability to shoot from deep will be key again, but without Allen and potentially Plumlee, their depth could be tested against a Lakers team hungry for a win on their home floor.
Betting Prediction & Final Score
The Lakers have been competitive despite their injuries, and if Doncic returns, they should have the edge. The Suns will struggle with their interior defense if Plumlee remains out, and Phoenix’s inconsistency on the road (14-22 away record) is a concern.
Expect Los Angeles to control the pace and edge out a close win at home.
Final Score Prediction: Lakers 116, Suns 111
Best Bet: Lakers -3
Lean: Under 229
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
