The NBA action starts with a new week and nine games on the schedule for Monday, December 19, including this exciting duel in Phoenix, so make sure you get the best Lakers vs. Suns betting pick and odds.

Both Los Angeles and Phoenix are looking for the third win in a row when they meet at Footprint Center. The Suns are -8.5 favorites on BetUS Sportsbook, while the total is set at 230.5 points. These Pacific Division foes have met once this season, and the Suns won 115-105 in Phoenix.

Lakers edged the Wizards at home

The Los Angeles Lakers (13-16, 12-16-1 ATS) won two of three games of their home stand. After falling short of the Boston Celtics in overtime, the Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards and now will play seven of the next eight games on the road. Thomas Bryant made a 3-foot dunk with seven seconds to go to give the Lakers a 119-117 victory over the Wizards. Former Laker Kyle Kuzma had a chance to win it for the visitors, but he missed his three-point attempt. Los Angeles shot well from the floor (50.0%) and was better in assists (29-24).

LeBron James led the team with 33 points, game-high nine assists, and seven rebounds. Lonnie Walker IV scored 21, Thomas Bryant posted a double-double of 16 points and team-high ten boards, while Austin Reaves and Dennis Schroder combined for 24 points, nine dishes, and six rebounds. Russell Westbrook flirted with a triple-double as he finished with nine points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

PF/C Anthony Davis is expected to miss at least one month with a right foot injury. PF Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) and SF Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) are out indefinitely, while PG Patrick Beverley (calf) is questionable to play against Phoenix on Monday.

Suns came from behind to beat the Pelicans

The Phoenix Suns (18-12, 16-14-0 ATS) opened their four-game homestay with a tight 118-114 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Suns were down by 24 points midway through the third quarter but scored 72 points in the second half and allowed just 51 to secure a comeback win. The biggest difference was from the foul line; the Suns made 25 free-throws opposite New Orleans’ ten. The hosts also committed only eight turnovers, while the Pels had 16.

Devin Booker erupted for a season-high 58 points (21-35 FG, 6-12 3PT, 10-15 FT), team-high six rebounds, and five assists. Chris Paul chipped in 18 points, team-high eight dimes, and five boards, while Mikal Bridges had 15 points and game-high three steals.

SF/PF Jae Crowder (personal), PG Cameron Payne (foot), SF Cameron Johnson (knee), PG Duane Washington Jr. (hip), and C Jock Landale (concussion) are out indefinitely. SG Devin Booker (groin) and C Deandre Ayton (ankle) are questionable to face the Lakers on Monday.

Trends:

Los Angeles:

  • 5-1 ATS in the last six games against the Western Conference rivals

Phoenix:

  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven games
  • 4-10 ATS in the last 14 games played in December

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Pick

It’s going to be hard to play without Anthony Davis for about a month, especially as he was in a monstrous form in the last few weeks. Still, the Lakers do have some experienced players on the roster, and Thomas Bryant will take Davis’ place in the starting lineup. That’s an opportunity for Bryant to shine and he could have a big game in Phoenix. Booker and Ayton are questionable to play, and Monty Williams could be cautious with his stars as the Suns play back-to-back games. That’s why I expect them to be a bit limited in this duel if they play at all. Phoenix will likely get a win, but I am going with the visitors to cover.

Pick: Take the Lakers at +10.5 (-130)

The Total

Without Davis, their top scorer and best player this season, the Lakers will definitely be less dangerous on offense. The Suns and Lakers are scoring 115.4 points per game, but the Suns do have a better defense that allows 110.8 ppg, while Los Angeles has one of the weakest defenses in the league that surrenders 116.3 ppg. If Booker and Ayton are unable to play, expect a low-scoring affair. The total has gone Under in four of Phoenix’s last five games against the Lakers.

Pick: Under 232.5 points (-130)