Update: As expected, everyone is in for the Lakers. Gordon is playing for the Suns. The Lakers are now 2-point favorites and the total sits at 231, so that’s not too much change from the earlier lines. I still like the Lakers to win and cover, and the under to hit on the total.
Pacific division rivals will meet for a third time early in the season when the Phoenix Suns (12-8) meet the Los Angeles Lakers (12-9) in the quarterfinal round of the In-Season Tournament. The Lakers have won the previous two matchups this year between these squads, but this one has the biggest stakes with a semifinal spot in the tournament on the line.
Bradley Beal and Damion Lee remain out for the Suns, while Eric Gordon is questionable with a shoulder issue. Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt are probable while LeBron James is questionable for the Lakers, but everyone is expected to suit up.
The Lakers are 1.5-point home favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total coming in at 228.5. Los Angeles is -118 on the moneyline while Phoenix is -102.
Suns vs. Lakers, 10 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Lakers -1.5
Neither team is particular good against the number, with the Lakers sporting a 9-12 mark and the Suns checking in at 9-10-1 mark. LA has Phoenix’s number so far this season, and James is usually excellent whenever there’s some stakes involved. The Lakers are 8-2 at home this season straight up, and that’s a good enough reason to back them to get the job done Tuesday night against the Suns.
Over/Under: Under 228.5
These teams went over this number once in their two meetings, but the contest in Los Angeles went way under this line. That’s largely because the Lakers are a significantly better team defensively at home, with the fourth-best home defensive rating in the league. I’ll back the Lakers to have that same intensity tonight and contain the Suns, leading to the under hitting.