Last Updated on May 17, 2010 4:00 pm by drew
Lakers-Suns Pick
The 2010 Western Conference Finals begin Monday night as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns.
Bet the 2010 NBA Playoffs
The Lakers are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference while the Suns are the No. 3 seed.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL have made L.A. the clear favorite with a betting line of -340 while Phoenix has a line of +260
In four games during the regular season the Lakers won three of the meetings. Three of the games were decided by 15 points or more. In the series, the team that shot a higher field goal percentage won the game.
The Lakers went 57-25 during the regular season to earn the top spot in the west. The Lakers were 34-7 at home and 23-18 on the road. Against conference opponents, L.A. was 35-17. The Lakers opened the playoffs by defeating Oklahoma City 4-2 and then followed up with a four-game sweep of Utah in the second round. During the playoffs, the Lakers are averaging 101 points per-game and shooting 46.1 percent as a team while giving up 97.1 points per-game and holding their opponents to 41.2 percent shooting. Kobe Bryant is averaging 26.9 points and 4.9 assists per-game during the playoffs to lead the Lakers. Pau Gasol is adding 20.2 points and 13.1 rebounds per-game during the playoffs for L.A.
Phoenix was 54-28 during the regular season and the Sun were 32-9 at home and 22-19 on the road. The Suns, like L.A., were 35-17 against conference competition. The Suns opened the playoffs with a 4-2 series win over Portland and then swept conference power, San Antonio, in the second round. The Suns are scoring 105.8 points per-game and shooting 47.6 percent during the playoffs while holding opponents to 95.9 points per-game and 44.6 percent shooting. Steve Nash has led the Suns in the playoffs with 17.8 points and 9 assists per-game. Amar’e Stoudemire has added 20.5 points and 7 rebounds per-game for Phoenix in the postseason.
In this series the Suns are coming in playing their best, but the Lakers have the experience needed to advance. The Suns have never been able to break through to the finals and we don’t see it happening this year. Despite injury issues, L.A. has the defense to slow down Phoenix and take the series. We like the Lakers in five or six games.
Our NBA Playoff Series Free Pick for this matchup is: LOS ANGELES -340
NBA Playoffs Betting Trends
LA LAKERS are 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
LA LAKERS are 53-36 ATS (+13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams – allowing 99+ points/game – 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 55-35 ATS (+16.5 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
PHOENIX is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHOENIX is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record – 2nd half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) versus good offensive teams – scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) versus good offensive teams – scoring 99+ points/game – 2nd half of the season this season.
LA LAKERS are 40-50 ATS (-15.0 Units) in all games this season.
LA LAKERS are 32-40 ATS (-12.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
LA LAKERS are 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams – allowing 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 8-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 9-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NBA Playoffs Injury Report
PHOENIX
[C] 05/06/2010 – Robin Lopez is downgraded to doubtful Friday vs. San Antonio ( Back )
LA LAKERS
[G] 04/27/2010 – Sasha Vujacic expected to miss 2-3 more weeks ( Ankle )
NBA Playoffs Series Odds
Los Angeles Lakers -340
Phoenix Suns +260
Lakers vs. Suns Series Schedule:
Monday, May 17 at L.A., 9PM ET on TNT
Wednesday, May 19 at L.A., 9PM ET on TNT
Sunday, May 23 at Phoenix, 8:30PM ET on TNT
Tuesday, May 25 at Phoenix, 9PM ET on TNT
*Thursday, May 27 at L.A., 9PM ET on TNT
*Saturday, May 29 at Phoenix, 8:30PM ET on TNT
*Monday, May 31 at L.A., 9PM ET on TNT
*If Necessary
Bet the 2010 NBA Playoffs
Posted: 5/17/10 4:00PM ET