Two Pacific Division teams are set to meet in the NBA Playoffs as the 2-7 matchup in the Western Conference. The reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers will begin their title defense against the drastically improved Phoenix Suns. Interestingly enough, the NBA betting odds for Game 1 side with the team that is considered the underdog on the series line. This NBA betting preview for the Lakers vs Suns NBA Playoffs matchup will provide game info, betting trends, odds and a prediction for Game 1 of this series.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Betting Preview and Prediction | NBA Playoffs
NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals NBA Playoffs Game 1
Los Angeles Lakers (43-30, 21-15 Away) vs. Phoenix Suns (51-21, 27-9 Home)
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2021
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Phoenix Suns Arena — Phoenix, AZ
The Lakers took the hard route to reach the official NBA Playoffs bracket this year. Thanks to both Anthony Davis and LeBron James missing long stretches of games due to injury, Los Angeles played the majority of the regular season at less than full strength. After a strong start fell apart and the Lakers had to knock off the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play-In Tournament just to clinch the 7-seed. Both James and Davis are listed as questionable coming into Game 1 of this NBA betting series but let’s be real here: they’ll both be out there. Unfortunately, the Lakers’ depth behind their ‘Big Two’ could be challenged this postseason. Free-agent signees Dennis Schroder and Marc Gasol are two names to watch in terms of potential series X-factors.
No matter where he goes, Chris Paul brings a winning culture along with him. He teamed with the aforementioned Schroder in Oklahoma City last year and took a team many predicted wouldn’t even win 30 games all the way to the 5-seed. Now, in his first year as the Suns’ point guard, Paul has once again drastically improved the team around him. Phoenix certainly has other talented players on the roster. Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton all play vital roles. But the Suns came up short of even qualifying for the postseason a year ago. To vault all the way up to the 2-seed is quite the accomplishment. With a season average of 8.9 assists per game, it’s obvious that Paul just has a way of making those around him better.
Lakers vs Suns NBA Betting Odds
Moneyline: LAL: (+120) | PHX: (-143)
Spread: LAL: +3 (-113) | PHX: -3 (-109)
Total: 213.5 — Over: (-113) | Under: (-109)
RELATED | Printable 2021 NBA Playoffs Bracket and Schedule
Lakers vs Suns Betting Trends
- Lakers are just 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games.
- Suns are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games against teams with a winning record.
- Suns are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games when their opponent scores 100 points or more in the previous game.
- Over is 7-1-1 in the Lakers’ last nine games against teams with a winning record.
- Under is 4-0 in the Suns’ last four Conference Quarterfinal games.
- Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven head-to-head matchups against the Suns in Phoenix.
Lakers vs Suns Prediction
This NBA prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Phoenix a 72.9% chance to win Game 1 of this NBA Playoffs matchup.
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