L.a. Lakers Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions October 25th 2024

Lakers vs Suns October 25th 2024

At 10:00 ET, the Los Angeles Lakers (-125) will host the Phoenix Suns (+106) in a Western Pacific divisional matchup. The Lakers are currently favored by 1.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 223.5.

This game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and can be seen on ESPN.

Suns vs. Lakers Key Information

The Suns started their season with a 116-113 win over the Clippers on Wednesday, moving to 1-0. Phoenix was favored by 4.5 points but didn’t cover the spread, winning by just three. The total score of 229 points went over the pre-game line of 224.5.

A key moment came when the Suns went on a 14-0 run, taking control of the game early. They led 47-39 at halftime but fell behind after the Clippers outscored them 35-25 in the third quarter. Phoenix responded by edging out the Clippers 31-29 in the final quarter to secure the win.

Kevin Durant’s 12 points in the 4th quarter helped the Suns to a 116-113 win over the Clippers, finishing with a team-high 25 points. Bradley Beal added 24 points, including 9 in the 3rd and 7 in OT, while Devin Booker contributed 15 points, 9 of which came in the 4th.

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Booker and Beal each hit 4 threes, with Beal shooting 66.7% from deep and Booker connecting at an 80% rate. The Suns made 15 threes as a team, shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc and 48.7% overall from the field.

The Suns put together a strong defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 17 points, which helped them secure a win despite giving up 35 points in the 3rd. Overall, they allowed 113 points on 45% shooting from the field.

Phoenix did a great job defending the three, holding the Clippers to 27% shooting with only 8 made threes. They also recorded 12 steals and 9 blocks in the game.

The Lakers kicked off their season with a 110-103 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday, moving to 1-0. Despite being +1 point underdogs, Los Angeles covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total points of 213 fell short of the 224 O/U line.

After trailing 23-22 in the 1st quarter, the Lakers took control by outscoring the Timberwolves 33-19 in the 2nd. Minnesota made a push in the 3rd and 4th quarters, but Los Angeles held on after entering the final period up 82-74.

Kevin Durant led the Suns with 25 points in their 116-113 win over the Clippers, scoring 12 of those in the 4th quarter. Bradley Beal added 24 points, with 9 coming in the 3rd and another 7 in overtime. Devin Booker contributed 15 points, hitting 4 threes at an 80% clip and scoring 9 points in the 4th.

Phoenix connected on 15 threes, shooting 39.5% from deep and 48.7% overall. Booker and Beal each hit 4 threes, with Beal shooting 66.7% from the field. Tyus Jones and Jusuf Nurkić also added 11 points, with Jones scoring 6 in the 4th quarter.

The Lakers’ defense was strong in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 19 points, and they held the Timberwolves to 103 points overall. Minnesota shot 41% from the field.

From three, the Timberwolves hit 13 threes on 31% shooting. The Lakers sent them to the line 27 times, where they made 20. Defensively, the Lakers grabbed 31 rebounds, gave up 12 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 8 blocks.

The Suns come in as the underdog at +1.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 223.5, and our model projects the Suns and Lakers to reach a combined total of 247 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Lakers, Suns Tangle After Winning in Coaches’ Debuts

The 2024-25 NBA season is heating up quickly as Pacific Division rivals the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns prepare to clash on Friday. Both teams are fresh off season-opening wins, setting the stage for an early showdown that promises to build on the momentum each squad generated in their first games. With new head coaches at the helm, the Lakers and Suns are poised to offer fans an exciting matchup.

Suns Start Strong Under Budenholzer

In his first regular-season game as head coach of the Suns, Mike Budenholzer’s system already showcased a balanced offense, as all five Phoenix starters scored in double figures in their 116-113 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Kevin Durant led the way with 25 points, while Bradley Beal added 24 in his debut as a Sun, and Devin Booker contributed 15 points, connecting on 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and dishing out six assists.

“It’s just one game. We want to keep building,” Durant said following the victory. “We just have a system we can rely on for four quarters (with) coach [Budenholzer] calling plays, guys getting out on the break and running and passing the ball.”

Budenholzer, who previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title in 2021, is known for his high-scoring, fast-paced style of play. His approach was evident in the Suns’ opener, with Phoenix capitalizing on their scoring trio of Durant, Beal, and Booker, who each play a vital role in Budenholzer’s offensive schemes. While the Suns only got a limited look at this new lineup last season due to injuries and rotations, Wednesday’s opener hinted at a potent offense if they can stay healthy and cohesive.

Lakers Debut Under JJ Redick: A Winning Start

On Tuesday, the Lakers also experienced a successful debut with new head coach JJ Redick, who took over after working as an NBA analyst following his retirement as a player. Despite skepticism over his transition from media to coaching, Redick’s Lakers put up an impressive 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Anthony Davis spearheaded the win, posting 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, effectively setting the tone on both ends of the court.

“The game plan, the schemes that he [Redick] has on both sides of the floor, he trusts us and we trust him,” Davis said. “Our game plan was elite.”

Other Lakers’ standouts included Austin Reaves, who contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, and Rui Hachimura, who added 18 points and five rebounds.

LeBron James, now in his remarkable 22nd season, notched 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists. He also shared a brief but meaningful moment on the court with his son, Bronny James, who played less than three minutes in his own NBA debut. Although Bronny’s role remains undetermined, the junior James is sure to be a fan favorite as his journey unfolds.

Rookie Dalton Knecht also showcased his potential, logging five points, two assists, and a steal in nearly 16 minutes. Knecht, who impressed in the preseason with a 37-point game, is expected to see more significant action, adding depth to the Lakers’ bench.

Injury Updates: Suns and Lakers

The Suns will continue to rely on Durant, Beal, and Booker for scoring, but staying healthy will be crucial given their competitive aspirations in the West. They enter Friday’s game with a fully intact roster, ready to test their new system against the Lakers.

The Lakers are missing Jarred Vanderbilt, who is out with a heel injury. Jaxson Hayes filled in admirably, scoring 10 points off the bench on Tuesday and should continue to play a key role in Redick’s lineup. Hayes’ presence in the post will be vital as the Lakers try to contain Phoenix’s versatile offense and work toward another victory.

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Previewing the Matchup: Keys to Victory

This early-season matchup could be a preview of a potential playoff clash, as both teams are expected to contend for top seeds in the Western Conference. Here’s what to watch for as the Lakers and Suns face off:

1. Battle of New Coaches: With Budenholzer’s experience and Redick’s fresh perspective, this game offers an intriguing tactical matchup. Both coaches aim to establish a distinct team identity, with Budenholzer’s fast-paced, high-scoring approach contrasting with Redick’s game plan built around defensive tenacity and efficient shot selection.
2. Superstars in the Spotlight: With a lineup featuring Durant, Beal, and Booker, the Suns possess a lethal scoring trio that can stretch any defense. The Lakers will counter with Davis, James, and emerging role players like Reaves and Hachimura. Stopping Durant and containing Phoenix’s perimeter shooters will be central to the Lakers’ defensive plan.
3. Bench Play and Depth: Injuries and the impact of rotations will make each team’s bench a factor. The Lakers have already seen positive contributions from Hachimura, Knecht, and Hayes, which could be a difference-maker if the game remains close.

With both teams enjoying fresh starts under new leadership, Friday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Suns promises to be a must-watch game. Fans can expect a highly competitive battle as both squads strive to build on their opening night successes.