Lakers vs. Suns prediction, odds, line, spread, time: 2023 NBA picks, Oct. 26 best bets from proven model
A Western Conference showdown has the Phoenix Suns (1-0) going on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) on Thursday night. The Lakers are looking to bounce back after picking up a loss in the season opener. On Tuesday, Los Angeles lost to the Denver Nuggets 119-107. The Suns, meanwhile, secured a 108-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Bradley Beal (back) and Devin Booker (left foot soreness) are doubtful.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites in the latest Suns vs. Lakers odds from the SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 224.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Suns picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five seasons. The model finished the 2022-23 NBA season on a 72-39 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning nearly $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Suns vs. Lakers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Lakers vs. Suns:
- Suns vs. Lakers spread: Los Angeles -5.5
- Suns vs. Lakers over/under: 224.5 points
- Suns vs. Lakers money line: Los Angeles -222, Phoenix +182
- LAL: The Lakers are 9-2 in their last 11 games at home
- PHX: The Suns are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games against the Lakers
Why the Suns can cover
Forward Kevin Durant is one of the top players in the game. Durant can easily handle the rock, pull down boards, and get a bucket from all three levels. The 13-time All-Star logged a double-double in the opener with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Center Jusuf Nurkic is also coming off an impressive performance. Nurkic lives on the glass and owns a soft touch around the rim. On Tuesday, he finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Forward Josh Okogie brings a defensive mindset to the Suns. Okogie has showcased the ability to snag steals and get into passing lanes. The 25-year-old is also very athletic and finishes around the rim consistently. The Georgia Tech product piled up 17 points, five rebounds, and one steal in the season opener. See which team to pick here.
Why the Lakers can cover
Forward LeBron James is still a dominant presence in his 21st season. James impacts the game in a variety of ways due to his outstanding skillset and top-notch IQ. Los Angeles had all five starters score in double figures on Tuesday but the 19-time All-Star led the way. James racked up 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in 29 minutes of action.
Guard Austin Reaves steps into a larger role this season. Reaves is a very skilled scorer with good finishing ability at the rim. The Oklahoma product can create his shot while being aware of finding his teammates. Last season, Reaves averaged 13 points and 3.4 assists per game. In the season-opening loss to the Nuggets, the 25-year-old had 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. See which team to pick here.
How to make Suns vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 226 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model's NBA picks at SportsLine.
