NBA 2021/22 on Wednesday, 06.04.2022
The early bird gets the worm – and getting up early tomorrow could be especially rewarding for basketball fans. Because if the Los Angeles Lakers don’t win at the Phoenix Suns, the dream of the playoffs could finally be shattered by reality.
The fact is that the home side is already safely in first place and – just like against the Thunder – could once again take it easy …
However, in my Suns Lakers tip, I explain why the Black and Purples wouldn’t dream of giving the Californians any gifts.
Nanu, what was that all about? The Suns lose at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, of all teams, and by 96-117 to boot? Certainly few would have expected that, but it’s also clear that it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
A glance at the standings reveals that first place is already assured. So why risk anything five matchdays before the end of the regular season? This thought, or at least a similar one, will certainly have crossed coach Monty Williams’ mind at the weekend.
Because against the Thunder, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton were given the day off by the coach. Consequently, it was clear that this evening would be played with the handbrake on. But what makes me so sure that will be different this time against the Lakers?
To better understand my Suns Lakers tip, you have to know the history between these two franchises. Because the Lakers don’t see a rival in the Black and Violets, who in turn almost loathe the Californians.
Historically, Phoenix has suffered many a humiliating playoff defeat to LA. From that perspective, tonight is the perfect opportunity for their own supporters to retaliate!
Everyone knows that Los Angeles are desperately fighting for a place in the play-in tournament! If the visitors lose again today at the Footprint Center, the hunt for the playoffs could be over “for good” if the Spurs win at the same time.
With the Lakers’ backs against the wall, it could just as easily be argued that they will put everything on the line. But a “reality check” proves that the Californians simply aren’t capable of any major performance improvements this season.
By the way, LeBron James was absent again for this game. The NBA icon missed three of his team’s last five games in this decisive phase. Time gnaws away at The King …
Destructive for any remaining playoff hopes of Lakers fans is, of course, the direct comparison. Because in a total of five games this season – including the preseason – the Black and Violets always and without exception won in the end.
Just a fortnight ago, the Suns took their historic rivals to the cleaners with a 140-111 defeat – even though LeBron James was still fit as a fiddle at the time.
Despite the clear defeat, The King was once again the “Man of the Match” that night with 31 points. But in view of the almost certain elimination and a James who will be at best 70% tonight, a sudden turnaround is not to be thought of.
Just ahead of this deciding game, we now have Suns Lakers odds from the leading sportsbooks, for whom basketball will become more of a focus in the coming weeks due to the playoffs.
Thus, a success for the Arizonans is considered very likely with win odds currently at 1.12, while a much-needed “win” for the visitors is traded at an average of significantly higher 6.00 on the markets.
Conclusion: The Suns clearly slowed down against Oklahoma, as two of their absolute top players were spared with a view to the playoffs. Tonight, however, the home side will move heaven and hell to get a win.
They host the hated Lakers, who will be looking to put the final nail in the purple coffin of their play-off hopes. Accordingly, I expect the Arizonans to put on their best silverware.
The Californians have already lost each of their five season games against the Black and Violets, losing to them 111-140 just a few weeks ago at the same venue where their playoff hopes will likely finally vanish into thin air tomorrow morning …
Because according to my Suns Lakers tip the visitors will lose by at least nine points
