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Dr. Bob NBA OPINION

NBA Opinion

L.A. LAKERS (+3) over Phoenix

There is no way to justify the Suns being a 3 point favorite on the road against the Lakers. A line of Phoenix by 3 points is basically saying that the Suns are 6 points better than the Lakers, since the home court advantage with 2 rested teams is about 3 points. The Suns are not as good as they've been in recent years and Phoenix has an average scoring margin of +5.2 points against a schedule that is 0.1 points easier than average. The Lakers, meanwhile, have won an average margin of +5.0 points playing a schedule that is 0.5 points tougher than average. The Lakers have actually been a better team than Phoenix this season and should be favored by 3 points or more based on each team's overall performance. I have found that the Suns have had a tendency to play better on the road and against good teams, but I still get a fair line of Lakers by 1 point even if I take that into account. That's pretty significant line value in favor of Los Angeles in this game but I'll resist making the Lakers a Best Bet due to the fact that Phoenix is 14-3-1 ATS the last 3 seasons with revenge when they're not favored by more than 7 points.

Michael Cannon

15 Dime

SUNS

Lay the small number with the Suns today when they travel to take on the Lakers.

Big revenge spot for Phoenix. They were trampled in their home debut this season by the Lakers, 119-98.

It wasn’t just the lopsided loss that sticks in the minds of the Suns, but also coach Mike D’Antoni who was furious about a late time-out called by Phil Jackson with the Lakers leading by 33 points.

I expect the Suns to come out ready to play today and for Amare Stoudamire to shoot much better than the 2-for-10 he had during the first meeting.

Phoenix is the much better team despite the presence of Kobe Bryant on the other side and this line is reduced due to the Lakers good play so far this season.

Take the Suns as they grab the win and cover today over the Lakers

Sports Investors Network
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers

Pick: PHX -3
The Suns offense should be unstoppable running the Lakers out of the building.The Lakers will have to abandon their half-court sets in an attempt to keep up.