NBA 2022/23, on Wednesday, 23.11.2022
In the past, the NBA fan would have clicked his tongue just as loudly at a game between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers as the football fan at the current World Cup games. But for some years now, this pairing has been an extremely one-sided affair.
Because in my Suns Lakers tip, I will confront the reader with some data and facts, all of which suggest that it is more worthwhile to dust off a great sports betting bonus than to bet your money on the purple-gold …
Perhaps, in my opinion, the best NBA player of all time will soon have an equally promising career as a coach. Because the criticism recently directed by LeBron James to his teammate Anthony Davis is having an effect.
“The Brow” has been playing excellent basketball since his reprimand. Under his leadership, the Lakers were able to win all of their last three games and set an example of the Spurs 123:92.
Now, however, a duel against a real rival awaits the purple-gold – and every fan knows how difficult their favorites are in such “hate duels”. The Clippers, for example, have won each of the last nine “Battle of LA”.
Just like the Clippers, the Suns have a series going on! They have won each of their last ten NBA games against the Lakers. These are, of course, devastating figures.
From the guests’ point of view, the uncertainty surrounding LeBron’s commitment is also a burden. Because the return of the (again) injured NBA icon was already announced against the Pistons a few days ago, but James still could not play that evening.
Against Phoenix, however, his commitment would be absolutely necessary. Because the purple-gold need him as a battering ram to make a breach in one of the best defenses in the NBA.
The Suns miss Chris Paul as much as the Lakers miss LeBron James, there’s no doubt about that. However, the Black-Violet have significantly more alternatives available in order not to fall behind in the league.
With a positive balance of 10-6, they have proven that they can do without CP3. In fact, I liked their starting five yesterday Monday so much that it should be enough to get the Lakers under control.
In the 116-95 victory over the Knicks, Mikael Bridges, Torrey Craig, Deandre Ayton, Cameron Payne and Devin Booker each scored double-digit points.
Torrey Craig is the only one from this starting line-up who I wouldn’t necessarily count as world-class, but who still delivers the performance he demands.
In my opinion, the imbalance between offense and defense will decide the game in favor of the hosts – unless Anthony Davis or a recovered LeBron James does something extraordinary.
According to the official NBA statistics, the Suns rank fourth and seventh in the NBA in terms of offensive and defensive rating. Thus, the Arizoners are a perfectly balanced team.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are in lower regions in both categories. While their defense has improved thanks to the performance explosion of Anthony Davis, with an off-rating of 116.7 they continue to represent only league mediocrity offensively.
Another factor that speaks for the Suns, of course, is the home advantage, which they have been successfully using for years. In fact, there are few other franchises that can turn up so much in front of their own audience.
The Arizoners won eight of their last nine NBA games at the nationally feared Footprint Center.
What’s really special about it? During this period, even the defending champion, the Golden State Warriors, was dispatched not once, but 2 times.
On the betting markets, it should come as no surprise after all this concentrated information that even the best sports betting providers assume that the Suns’ winning streak against purple-gold will continue unabated.
Because a victory of the Arizoner is currently traded at odds of about 1.36 at the betting bazaars of this world, while the first success of the Lakers over the rival for almost exactly two years for about 3.25 over the bookmaker counter.
Conclusion: The Lakers have turned up a lot in recent days, especially against the Spurs yesterday, they showed what the Californians are able to do without LeBron James.
Nevertheless, the Suns have a really great starting five, which is excellently occupied except for one position and is always capable of top performances at home.
It is not for nothing that the Black and Violets have won each of their last nine NBA duels against the purple-golden.
In fact, I expect this streak to be extended for another win tonight, especially if LeBron James doesn’t play.
My Suns Lakers Tip: The Arizoners win.
