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Phoenix Suns (1-0) at Los Angeles Lakers (1-0)
Date: Friday, October 25
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
This game is going to be starrier than the projection dome at your local planetarium.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker — wow!
This matchup has it all, and I have a play for you to consider.
The pick — Suns +2.5 (-108, BetRivers)
Full disclosure: I bet on the Suns at -4.5 in their opener against the Clippers on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they only won by three (116-113), resulting in a loss. However, the information gathered from that game is invaluable.
Phoenix probably should’ve won by more. It hit more three-pointers, made more free throws and had a better field-goal percentage. The downside? The Suns made more turnovers with 22.
Durant didn’t look quite like himself for three quarters, recording seven turnovers and shooting just 2-for-5 from three. I believe Phoenix’s mistakes and subpar play will reverse course at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers are coming off a solid home win on opening night, beating Minnesota 110-103. However, they’re still bothered by one of the issues from last season: a lack of three-point shooting. JJ Redick’s squad shot a dismal 16.7% from beyond the arc and only made five threes.
This isn’t 2004 anymore, folks. If the Lakers can’t improve their deep ball, teams like the Suns will come in and wipe the floor with them.
If not for a second quarter where L.A. outscored the Timberwolves 33-19, the Lakers might have lost that game.
I expect Phoenix to come out Friday night with more consistency. Durant won’t have seven turnovers, and Booker won’t score only 15 points after fouling out.
The Suns will look to improve after a mistake-filled opener against a Lakers team that may have played at its ceiling. I believe Phoenix will find its offensive rhythm, reduce its turnovers and let its stars shine in its second game in L.A. in three days.
Season record: 1-2, -0.87 units