Suns vs Lakers Odds - Sizzling Suns' shooting, Lakers' injuries amount to an upset
The Suns vs Lakers odds feature a battle for Western Conference supremacy. NBA betting fans have heard that term before – in 2005 or 2006. The 2009-10 season wasn’t supposed to be promising for the Suns but here they are, sporting an 8-1 record. Can they march into Los Angeles and surprise the same way the Mavericks did earlier this year?
|
Suns vs Lakers odds maker breakdown: THE STORYLINE
Most sportsbook sharps and basketball pundits saw this season as the beginning of the end for the Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash and Grant Hill were getting old, Shaq was gone, and no one knew how Amar’e Stoudemire would respond upon returning from a serious eye injury. Low and behold, the Suns are running like it’s the D’Antoni days and dominating; their 8-1 record equals their franchise-best through nine games. A win at Staples Center would send a huge statement to the league.
Suns vs Lakers odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE
Thanks largely to Nash and his NBA-leading 12.6 assists per game, the Suns are spreading the wealth and getting contributions from every starter on the floor. Each guy averages 12 or more points and Jason Richardson is absolutely sizzling from three-point range, shooting 55.8 per cent. In fact, four of Phoenix’s five starters – J-Rich, Nash, Grant Hill and Channing Frye – average 42-per cent or better from beyond the arc this season. They’re a big reason why the Suns are the fastest NBA team to make 100 three-pointers in a season. As dangerous are the Lakers are at full strength with future Hall-of-Famer Kobe Bryant leading the way, they’re depleted right now. Perennially nicked up Andrew Bynum is battling an elbow strain and won’t be 100 per cent in his return to the lineup. Pau Gasol still isn’t ready to make his season debut. The red-hot Suns are sending a better starting five onto the court right now. Betting Edge: Suns
Suns vs Lakers odds maker breakdown: BENCH
Normally, the Lakers have the luxury of a high-impact scoring coming off the bench every night in Lamar Odom. However, with Gasol’s injury, Odom should start. That leaves L.A.’s bench somewhat thin. The Suns, meanwhile, have resurgent Leandro Barbosa, who is determined to bounce back after a disappointing 2008-09. Role players Jared Dudley and especially Goran Dragic are shooting the lights out. It feels strange to say it but the current incarnation of the Suns has a better bench. Online betting fans should realize that probably won’t be the case a month from now. Betting Edge: Suns
Suns vs Lakers odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Suns are throwbacks to their glory days of a few years ago, running the floor like no one else and leading the NBA with 112.3 points per game. Nash looks like his two-time MVP self at the moment. The Lakers can score with the best of ’em too but aren’t as dangerous offensively with Gasol out of the lineup. Betting Edge: Suns
Suns vs Lakers odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
No one will mistake the Suns for a defensive juggernaut. Ever. The Lakers are far superior; not only has Ron Artest, one of the league’s best defenders, joined the lineup, Bynum is a big stopper in the post with his solid blocking and defensive rebounding. No contest as to which team plays better “D.” Betting Edge: Lakers
Suns vs Lakers odds maker breakdown: BETTING PREDICTION
We can never underestimate the power of (a) Kobe Bryant, (b) Kobe Bryant at home and (c) Kobe Bryant at home in the Thursday nighter on TNT. However, everything aside from those intangibles suggests the Suns are the better team at this exact moment. If ever you can win big betting against the Lakers at home, this is the night to try it. Go with the Suns. CRAIG’S PICK: Phoenix Suns
Check the Betting Edge at betonline.com for NBA coverage from Craig Parsons every Thursday and for daily sports betting analysis from our team of experts. Craig Parsons is betonline.com's college basketball expert.
