Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats – 03/16/2025

On Sunday, 03/16, the Los Angeles Lakers (40-25) will host the Phoenix Suns (31-36) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Lakers have slipped to fifth in the West, while the Suns refuse to rise above the 11th position. Can the short-handed Lakers surprise the spiraling Suns? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

Time: 12:30 PM (PT)
Venue: Crypto. Com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Match Preview

Lakers: No LeBron, no wins

The Lakers will come into this match-up after a feisty 5-point loss against the Denver Nuggets, despite a 37-point masterpiece by Austin Reaves. It was their fourth loss but an understandable one since the team was without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Rui Hachimura. Fortunately, LBJ is set to return soon, while Doncic was rested to manage his left calf injury. Overall, the Lakers can take it easy for a while because of a 20-4 period just before the current losing streak. The Lakers’ lack of depth has been exposed, but if their starters are ready during the postseason, then this squad can make a deep run.

Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Luka Doncic | PG/SG: Austin Reaves | PG/SG: Gabe Vincent | PF: Jarred Vanderbilt | PF: Dorian Finney Smith

Key Injuries/Updates: Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, and Dalton Knecht are PROBABLE. Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are QUESTIONABLE. LeBron James is OUT for the game. Rui Hachimura is going to be OUT, while Maxi Kleber may be OUT for the season.

Suns: One of the most disappointing squads

The Phoenix Suns will come into this game after a 16-point win against the Sacramento Kings behind a 22-point and 13-assist performance by Devin Booker. It helped them break a two-game losing streak, and the struggling team hasn’t won at least two in a row since late January. They have been terrible against +.500 teams, and their few wins have come against the weak squads lately. The Suns don’t defend well and are often bulldozed by the third quarter, unable to hustle their way back in the final quarter. The heavy investment in the big three of Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal really made for a weak unit in other areas, especially on the defensive end.

Expected Starting Lineup

Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Nick Richards, Monte Morris, and Grayson Allen is UNCLEAR.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Total Over/Under Prediction

The Lakers are hurting right now, and it is affecting them on both ends. The Suns’ lackadaisical defense can allow both Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic(If he plays) to go for potentially a combined 65+ points night, and the Lakers can be in the hunt for a 116+ night. Meanwhile, the Suns will have an easier time scoring if Dorian-Finney Smith is out. However, I also expect them to score 116+.

Projected Predictions:

Total Over 231.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Suns: Points Over 114.5 for +100 at BetMGM
Lakers: Points Over 117.5 for +100 at BetMGM

Los Angeles Lakers Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Austin Reaves to score over 24.5 points: Reaves’ touches have increased multifold in the absence of LeBron James, and if Doncic stays out, he will be the focal scorer. At any rate, I expect him to be in the 25-28 points range here.

Jarred Vanderbilt to clinch over 1.5 steals: The Lakers forward has averaged 17 PPG in the last five games. He will play a big role in the offense and can be in the 17-20 points range here.

Phoenix Suns Player Props Predictions – Projected Top Bets & Odds

Kevin Durant to score Over 28.5 Points: KD is tallying 27.3 PPG in March but has scored 22 or fewer in three of the last four games. I expect Durant to explode for a 30+ points night here.

Devin Booker to dish over 6.5 assists: The offensive maestro is averaging a season-low 6 assists per game in March, but I expect him to breach the mark here.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Match Prediction

It’s unclear what lineup the Lakers will field against a full-strength Suns squad. Phoenix has done a decent job on the offensive end, but their defense can provide openings to even a second-string Lakers squad. At any rate, let us see how the Lakers manage Doncic. He will most probably be here with a fresh body, which can swing the game in the Lakers’ favor. Apart from that, the return of Dorian-Finney Smith can bolster their defense but if he doesn’t come back, the Suns can exploit the Lakers’ defense. At any rate, I favor the Lakers to break their losing streak.

Safe Spread Pick: Lakers -4.5 for +105 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas- Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

nba

Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!