Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, 12/18/2020 NBA Pick, Tips and Odds

Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

Date: Friday, December 18, 2020

Location: Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, AZ

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles (-3.5)

The Los Angeles Lakers (52-19 last year) head to Phoenix Suns Arena on Friday where they'll meet the Phoenix Suns (34-39 last season). Phoenix opens this matchup as 3.5-point underdogs. The over/under is set at 218.

Los Angeles heads into this one after finishing with a record of 52-19 last season. The Lakers shot 34.9% on three-point shots (782 of 2,242) and 72.9% from the free throw line. They averaged 113.4 points per contest (11th in basketball) while shooting 48.0% from the floor. They turned it over 15.2 times per contest and as a basketball team committed 20.7 personal fouls every game. As a squad, Los Angeles snagged 45.7 boards per game and earned 1,803 assists throughout last year, which ranked 11th in the league in terms of passing the rock. On the defensive end of the court, the Lakers forced their opponents into 15.9 turnovers on a nightly basis and they drew 21.7 fouls. They surrendered 34.9% on 3-pointers while they were 4th in basketball in points per game allowed (107.6). The Lakers defensively allowed a shooting percentage of 44.8% (2,773 of 6,187) and they relinquished 42.3 boards per contest as a team. They were 10th in the NBA in giving up assists to their opponents with 1,662 relinquished last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced off with the Phoenix Suns and walked away from this one with a win by a score of 112-107 in their last preseason game. Los Angeles finished the contest having earned a 47.6% FG percentage (39 of 82) and knocked down 10 of their 25 shots from 3-point land. From the free throw line, the Lakers made 24 of 32 shots for a rate of 75.0%. In reference to hauling in boards, they earned a total of 47 with 8 of them being of the offensive sort. They also recorded 20 assists for this game while getting 6 steals and 3 blocks. Concerning defense, Los Angeles let their opponent shoot 40.7% from the field on 35 of 86. Phoenix recorded 26 dimes and 9 steals in the game. Furthurmore, the Suns pulled down 45 boards (11 offensive, 34 defensive) and added 2 blocked shots. Phoenix finished 80.0% when shooting free throws by converting 24 of 30 attempts. They also knocked down 13 of their 42 shots from beyond the arc.

Phoenix had a mark of 34-39 last season. The Suns were responsible for committing 22.0 personal fouls every game and they shot 83.4% from the charity stripe. They earned an assist 27.2 times per contest (1st in the league) and they turned it over 14.8 times per game. Phoenix earned 8,294 points last season (113.6 per contest) and they pulled in 43.5 rebounds per contest. As an offensive team, the Suns connected on 46.8% from the field, which was ranked 9th in the league. The Suns on the defensive end were ranked 20th in the league in points allowed per contest with 113.4. The Phoenix defense allowed 36.3% on shots from beyond the arc (848 of 2,335) and their opponents knocked down 78.8% of their shots from the free throw line. They forced 15.6 TO's per game and let teams shoot 47.2% from the floor (22nd in basketball). They allowed 23.6 dimes and 43.3 rebounds on a nightly basis, which was ranked 8th and 7th in those defensive categories.

When they last stepped on the hardwood, the Phoenix Suns walked away from this one with a loss by a score of 112-107 when they played the Los Angeles Lakers a few days ago. The Suns earned 34 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive boards totaling 45 for the matchup. They also blocked 2 tries while recording 9 steals for this game. The Lakers were called for 24 fouls for the game which got the Suns to the free throw line for 30 attempts. They were able to make 24 of them for a clip of 80.0%. With respect to shooting from distance, Phoenix converted 13 of 42 attempts (31.0%). When the game finished, the Suns went 35 for 86 from the floor which gave them a rate of 40.7%. The Suns permitted the Lakers to knock down 39 out of 82 attempts from the field which had them sitting at 47.6% for this game. They wrapped up this game 40.0% from beyond the perimeter by shooting 10 out of 25 and ended up shooting 24 of 32 from the free throw line (75.0%). In reference to team rebounding, Phoenix allowed Los Angeles to pull down 47 overall (8 on the offensive side).

Who will win tonight's NBA game against the spread?

Josh Schonwald's Pick: Take Los Angeles (-3.5)

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