Lakers vs. Suns Game 1 Prediction
The Lakers and Suns tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET for Game 1 of the NBA conference quarterfinals on Sunday. Will the Suns cover as a 3-point home favorites or are the Lakers the play?
Game Snapshot
513 Los Angeles Lakers (+3) at 514 Phoenix Suns (-3); o/u 213
3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 22, 2021
Venue: Phoenix Suns Arena
Los Angeles Lakers DFS Notes
The Lakers have been notified that LeBron James violated health protocols by attending an event for his tequila brand earlier this week, but that he will not be suspended according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Although LeBron violated the league’s health and safety protocols, he will not be suspended because “the nature of the event didn’t rise to a threat level of virus spread” according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Therefore LeBron will be eligible to play in Sunday’s Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix Suns DFS Notes
Deandre Ayton (sore left knee) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the Lakers. Ayton missed Phoenix’s final three regular season games, but he appears to be good to go for his first career playoff appearance Sunday afternoon. Dario Saric will return to his usual backup role, while Frank Kaminsky won’t get many rotation minutes as the third center on the Suns roster.
Hawks vs. Celtics Playoffs Prediction
The Lakers are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games in Phoenix, but are 4-10-1 against the number in their last 15 games overall and are 2-5-1 at the betting window in their last eight road games. On the other side, the Suns are 4-1 against the spread in their last five playoff games as a favorite, are 29-13 in their last 42 home games and are 23-11 at the betting window in their last 34 games as a home favorite.
NBA PLAYOFFS PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES LAKERS +3