The Phoenix Suns looks to stop their misfortunes when they meet with the Los Angeles Lakers, who are still hopeful for a playoff spot. Suns can no longer afford to extend their misfortunes this season, as it may cost them to slip down the standings. Although they are almost secured for a spot in the playoffs, a loss could bring them at the disadvantage. The Lakers on the other hand are looking to win all their remaining game in order to at least qualify for the play-in. Their slow start this season is the main reason why they are on the verge of getting eliminated early. Lakers will host this match on March 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM (GMT+8).
Prior to this match, these two teams have already met twice this regular season. From those two previous matches, it was the visitors who took the win. From those previous matches, the visitors dominated the hosts. However, the same result will not be tolerated by the hosts anymore, as they are in-need of wins. These two teams are from the West, but the hosts are on the verge of elimination. They are currently at the 11th with 35 wins from their 72 matches. Meanwhile, the visitors are at the fourth of the standings winning 38 of their 71 games.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns are hoping to finally end their misfortunes, as the playoffs are drawing near. The more they lose their matches, the more they might be at the disadvantage. They are coming from a 124-120 loss against the Thunder, their fourth loss in their five games. On that match, their coach believes that it was their turnovers that made them lose that match. Additionally, those turnovers shifted their momentum, thus, their loss. They had a 12-point lead going into the half, but they were not able to protect that lead. Fortunately, they are quite impressive in the their field goals, shooting 46.7%. In the charity stripe, they are shooting 79.3%, taking advantage of the free shots. They are the 19th in offense, scoring 113.4 points per game, but are fourth in defense, giving up 111.6 points per game.
Devin Booker continues to lead the Suns with 28 points per game. However, Deandre Ayton, who is chipping in 18.3 points per game is unfortunately unavailable in this match. He is joined by Kevin Durant, who injured his ankle on his supposed-to-be first home game for the Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers on the other hand are still holding on their chances of clinching a spot in the playoffs. Fortunately for them, they are coming from a win against the Magic, a 111-105 win. This win snapped their two-game losing streak, increasing their chance of clinching a spot in the playoffs. On that match, they actually had a 10-point lead at the half, but the Magic managed to somehow climb back. At the end of the third, the Magic is just within three points. Fortunately, Austin Reaves made things possible for the Lakers, due to his free-throw line shots. They successfully shot 47.8% in the field, which is one of their advantages. In the free-throw line, they successfully made 77.8% of their attempts. They are the eighth in offense with 116.4 points per game, but the 21st in defense allowing 116.8 points per game.
Lebron James, who is the leading scorer of the Lakers with 29.5 points per game, remains to be out due to his injury. Anthony Davis on the other hand is chipping in 25.8 points per game, but he is a doubt for this match.
Prediction:
Phoenix Suns
Total Under: 113.5
Odds: 0.83
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