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Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix-Suns March 16th 2025
Today at 3:30 ET, the Los Angeles Lakers (-160) will host the Phoenix Suns (+135) in a Western Pacific Division matchup. The Lakers are currently favored by 3.5 points and the over/under line is set at 230.
This game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and can be seen on ABC. The Lakers are currently on a four-game losing streak and are 5th in the Western Conference, while the Suns are 11th in the West.
Your Guide to NBA Championship Betting! – Stay ahead with expert breakdowns & analysis.
Suns vs. Lakers Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers
- Where: Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena
- Date: Sunday, March 16th
- Betting Odds LAL -3.5, PHO +135 | LAL -160 O/U 230
The Suns Can Win If…
The Suns improved to 31-36 on the season with a 122-106 win over the Kings on Friday. Phoenix, who were -2 point favorites, covered the spread with the victory. The total score of 228 points fell just short of the 232.5-point O/U line.
Phoenix started strong, going on a 13-0 run to extend their lead from 23-15 to 36-15. Although the Kings outscored them 35-26 in the 2nd quarter, the Suns regained control by winning the 3rd quarter 35-25 and maintained their lead in the 4th, edging Sacramento 25-24.
The Suns connected on 24 threes at a 55.8% clip in their win over the Kings, shooting 51.9% overall from the field. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant each scored 22 points, with Booker adding 13 assists, and Tyus Jones contributed 20 points, hitting 6 threes without a miss.
Jones scored 6 points in the 4th quarter, while Ryan Dunn added 8 of his 16 points in the final period. Bradley Beal also had a strong finish, scoring 9 of his 15 points in the 3rd quarter.
Despite giving up 35 points in the 2nd quarter, the Suns held the Kings to 106 points in their win. Phoenix tightened up defensively in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing just 25 and 24 points, respectively.
The Suns excelled at defending the three, holding the Kings to 25% shooting from deep with just 8 made threes. They also recorded 12 steals and 3 blocks in the game.
- Across their last three road contests, Phoenix has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-2, while averaging 115 points per game.
- Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Suns have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-4.
- Over their last three games, the Suns have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
Who Will Lead the NBA in Scoring? – Get expert insights & latest odds.
The Lakers Can Win If…
The Lakers dropped to 40-25 on the season after a 131-126 loss to the Nuggets on Friday. Despite being +15 point underdogs, L.A. kept it close, losing by just five points. The game’s total score of 257 points went well over the 229.5-point line.
L.A. started strong, leading 40-32 after the 1st quarter, but a 39-point 2nd quarter by Denver put them ahead. The Lakers trimmed the deficit to 102-99 going into the 4th, but Denver edged them out 29-27 in the final period.
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 37 points and 13 assists in their 131-126 loss to the Nuggets, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 40%. Dalton Knecht added 32 points, connecting on 5 threes at 38.5% efficiency. Shake Milton contributed 16 points, shooting 63.6% from the field.
The Lakers made 15 threes as a team, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc and 46.7% overall. Reaves scored 12 points in the 1st quarter and added 10 more in the 2nd, while Knecht put up 11 points in the 4th quarter.
The Lakers’ defense struggled in their 131-126 loss to the Nuggets, especially in the 2nd quarter, where they gave up 39 points. Overall, they allowed 131 points on 51% shooting from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Lakers allowed 13 threes on 41% shooting. They also sent the Nuggets to the line 38 times, where they hit 30 free throws. Defensively, the Lakers recorded 10 steals and 2 blocks.
- Across the Lakers last ten home games, the team averaged 117 points per game while allowing 111. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 6-4, while going 5-5 straight-up.
- The Lakers have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.
- In their last five games, the Lakers have an over/under record of 1-4 and are 5-0 vs. the spread.
The Lean
As the underdogs with a spread of +3.5, we recommend going with the Suns on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 230, and our model predicts the Suns and Lakers to score a combined 220 points. We recommend betting on the under.
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Lakers Return Home to Face Suns, Aim to End Skid
Los Angeles Looks to Regain Momentum
After an unsuccessful 0-4 road trip, the Los Angeles Lakers (40-25) return home hoping to regain momentum against the Phoenix Suns (31-36) on Sunday. The Lakers, currently fifth in the highly competitive Western Conference, aim to halt their recent losing streak and re-establish themselves as genuine contenders for the NBA Championship.
In their recent loss, the Lakers battled without several key players, including LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Rui Hachimura. Despite this, Austin Reaves impressed with 37 points, and Dalton Knecht contributed 32 points against the Denver Nuggets.
Reaves emphasized the team’s potential despite recent setbacks:
“We know when we’re fully healthy and got everybody on the team that we have a really good chance to beat anybody.”
Phoenix Suns Seek Critical Win
The Suns enter the matchup positioned 11th in the Western Conference, aiming to close the gap for a Play-In Tournament spot. Their recent 122-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings demonstrated their ability to compete, driven by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who each scored 22 points.
Phoenix capitalized on Sacramento’s turnovers, scoring a season-high 38 points from mistakes. Coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the positive shift:
“It’s great to see points off turnovers, reversing what’s happened to us too many nights.”
Injury Impact on Both Sides
Los Angeles continues to manage significant injuries. While LeBron James (groin strain) remains out, the Lakers hope to have Luka Doncic and others back soon. Phoenix also faces challenges with injuries to Grayson Allen and Nick Richards. Mason Plumlee’s consecutive ejections have further impacted their frontcourt depth.
Players to Watch
For the Lakers, Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht have proven their scoring capabilities and will be pivotal again. Phoenix will rely heavily on Booker and Durant, with Oso Ighodaro stepping up to address recent frontcourt issues.
Season Series Insights
Los Angeles looks to even the season series, having lost two of the first three matchups against Phoenix. Sunday’s game provides an opportunity for the Lakers to bounce back on their home court.
Betting Odds and Expert Analysis
For comprehensive analysis, check our expert betting guide featuring insights into the NBA Championship race, current Western Conference standings, and more.
