Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Game 2 Prediction, Playoff Odds

Jordan Ramsay | Updated May 25, 2021

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Devin Booker got the best of LeBron James in his first career playoff game. Booker finished with a game-high 34 points as Phoenix controlled most of the game and held the Lakers to 90 points.

L.A. Lakers
42-30
AT
May 25, 2021, 10:00 PM ET
Talking Stick Resort Arena
Phoenix
51-21
Pointspread -2 -110
Moneyline -140
Over / Under o +211

61%

Betting Action

39%

Matchup Odds
Pointspread +2 -110
Moneyline +120
Over / Under u +211

61%

Betting Action

39%

Matchup Odds

It wasn’t the opening playoff game you expect from the defending champions, as the Phoenix Suns beat the L.A. Lakers 99-90 in Game 1 of their first round series on Sunday.  The Lakers were down by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter, before a late run brought L.A. within 10 points.

Despite the loss, L.A. is still a 1.5-point favourite on the NBA odds to win Game 2, with a total of 209.5.

Lakers vs. Suns NBA Playoff Odds

No matter what the situation, LeBron James attracts bettors.  That’s why it’s not surprising to see 66 per cent of Sports Interaction bettors backing James’ Lakers for Game 2.  A much bigger majority of bettors are taking the Over, with 86 per cent betting the O209.5.  Neither team broke 100 points in Game 1, but in four total games between these teams this year, they’ve alternated the Over and Under.

Sunday’s loss broke a six-game winning streak for L.A., but it extended Phoenix’s home winning streak to five games.  The Lakers have only managed to cover in one of their last six games, with the total going Under four times in that span.  The Suns are on the opposite trajectory, hitting the Over nine times in their last 11 games.

Los Angeles Lakers

L.A. struggled to hit shots throughout Game 1.  No Laker player broke the 20-point mark, with James’ 18 points and 10 assists being team-highs.  Anthony Davis struggled, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.  After the game Davis suggested the loss was because he wasn’t good enough and he would be better in Game 2.  L.A. was a brutal 43.4 per cent from the field on Sunday.

With all the negativity focused on the lack of offence in Game 1, it’s worth recognizing the Lakers’ defence.  They were able to hold Phoenix to under 100 points on 46.5 per cent shooting from the field and 9-of-28 shooting from 3-point range.  The Suns were second in regular season field goal percentage at 49 per cent and seventh in 3-point percentage at 37.8.  If L.A.’s offence can match the defence in Game 2, this will be a dangerous team.  And with James and Davis on the squad, it’s only a matter of time before the points start piling up.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns did everything they needed to do to win their first playoff game in 11 years.  It was a couple of first-year playoff players leading the way for Phoenix in Game 1.  Devin Booker had a game-high 34 points to go along with seven rebounds and eight assists, while Deandre Ayton added 21 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.  That big rebounding number made a huge difference in the game.  The Suns had a 47-33 advantage in rebounding and they seemed to scare Davis out of the paint.

The major concern for Game 2 is the status of Chris Paul.  The 11-time All-Star looked like he injured his shoulder in a collision with teammate Cameron Johnson.  Paul still managed to play 36 minutes, but he only finished with seven points, four rebounds and eight assists, all below his season averages.  He’s been one of the biggest reasons for Phoenix’s resurgence this season and they’ll need him as close to 100 per cent as he can be, to win this series.

NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Lakers vs. Suns?

NBA Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • LAL
  • -2 +2
  • PHO
Matchup NBA Odds