Lakers vs. Suns Prediction
The Lakers will travel back to the Staples Center after stealing game 2 from the Phoenix Suns. The big headline for this series is the availability of Chris Paul and whether or not he will be healthy enough to play. Nevertheless, tonight’s game should be exciting to watch. Find out what my Lakers vs. Suns Prediction is right here in this article.
Tuesday night’s game was a comeback game for the Lakers. Anthony Davis and LeBron James carried the load and led them to a win. The Lakers are searching for back-to-back championships and will be ready to compete for the commanding lead in this series.
The Phoenix Suns struggled to contain the Laker’s offense in game 2, and it really hurt them this time. Devin Booker played well once again, and DeAndre Ayton was a beast in the paint. They are hoping for Chris Paul to be completely healthy for game 3, but his status is uncertain.
The Lakers Must Have Their Stars Perform Well
The Los Angeles Lakers arguably have two of the top 10 players in the association right now. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are the key factors in this series and game tonight. As seen on Sunday in game 1, James only had 18 points and Davis just 13. These two mega stars have to lead the team if the Lakers want to be victorious.
Last game, Davis had a different type of energy in him, and he dropped a near triple-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. LeBron James has not been very assertive in this series yet, probably due to an ankle sprain he is dealing with. Even with that, he still had 23 points and 9 assists. The Laker’s stars should stay hot back at home.
Andre Drummond also had a great outing in game 2. He cleaned the glass effectively and made some tough shots in the post, leading him to 15 points and 12 rebounds. Dennis Schroder was a game-changer offensively with 24 points on 50% field goal.
The Lakers took care of business in Phoenix and gave themselves a chance to upset the 2 seed, even though many consider them favorites. The Lakers seem to be clicking on the offensive side of the ball after a rough game 1. If they continue to play motivated defense and help on Booker, they should be in good shape.
The Suns Need to Rely on Booker and Ayton Down the Stretch
A major issue that occurred in game 2 was the lack of aggressiveness from the two young stars for the Suns down the stretch. Granted, they are young; Booker specifically needed to take some shots when the Lakers were winning by 8+. Ayton also should have demanded a post or pick and roll as he dominated through the whole game.
Devin Booker scored extremely well once again with 31 points. He only had 3 assists which is a part of Booker’s game that he must improve, especially in the playoffs. Star veteran guard Chris Paul only logged 23 minutes and posted 6 points and 5 assists. Paul labored through all of game 2 and is probable for game 3, but may not be fully healthy.
DeAndre Ayton and Cameron Payne were big on Tuesday night. Ayton had 22 points and 15 rebounds on an absurd 11/13 from the field. Payne filled Paul’s absence in the second half tremendously with 19 points and 7 assists. Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges will have to step up for the Suns to have a bounce-back showing in L.A.
The Suns have played great all year and impressed the NBA world in game 1, beating the Lakers easily. Game 2 was more of a reality check, and they will need to key in on Anthony Davis specifically so that he doesn’t get going. The Suns will be led by Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton once again.
Pick and Prediction
The Lakers are currently -7 for tonight’s contest. I think this game will come down to the wire, and the Suns will compete until the end. The Lakers will still win, but I’m taking the Suns +7.
Devin Booker will drop 35 points, and Ayton will chip in 21. Anthony Davis should continue his dominance and score 37 points and add in 12 rebounds. The Lake Show will take game 2, in what should be a thriller.
You can watch this game on TNT at 10:00 P.M. Eastern time.
Pick: Suns +7
