The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a four-game slide, and things won’t get much easier this afternoon when they welcome the Phoenix Suns to Crypto.com Arena.
Phoenix is still the slight dog, but I’ll explain why I expect the visitors to come out on top in my Suns vs Lakers predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, March 16.
Suns vs Lakers prediction
My best bet: Suns moneyline (+125 at bet365)
My analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their fourth straight game on Friday in a 131-126 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Luka Doncic (calf) sat out that game but is expected to be in the lineup this afternoon, while LeBron James (groin) will miss his fourth straight contest.
The Lakers have held their own without LeBron this season, going 3-4 without their leading scorer, although three of those defeats have come in their last three games.
The issue for Los Angeles this afternoon will be keeping up with the scoring of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who generally give the Phoenix Suns about 50 or 55 points a game.
The hosts can rely on Doncic — who put up 45 points in his last appearance on Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks — but outside of him there are question marks. Austin Reaves scored 37 on Friday but has been extremely hot-and-cold, scoring 17 points or fewer in four of his last six games.
Phoenix has also taken four of the last five meetings against Los Angeles, while the Suns have gone 5-1 ATS in their last six games.
Suns vs Lakers same-game parlay
Suns moneyline
Kevin Durant 25+ points
Luka Doncic 30+ points
A Suns win will be heavily contingent on a strong showing from Kevin Durant, and 25 points should be well within reach for the 36-year-old veteran. Durant is averaging 26.6 ppg in March and has recorded 25+ points in six of his last nine contests.
Luka Doncic will need to carry the offensive load for the Lakers and has been happy to do so lately. The Lakers star has dropped 30+ in four of his last five and should get plenty of touches with LeBron out.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Suns vs Lakers odds
Suns vs Lakers live odds
Suns vs Lakers opening odds
- Spread: Phoenix +3.5 | Los Angeles -3.5
- Moneyline: Phoenix +140 | Los Angeles -170
- Over/Under: Over 232.5 | Under 232.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Suns vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Lakers opened as 4-point home favorites but we’ve seen that number slide as low as 2.5 ahead of tip off due to strong betting trends in favour of the Suns.
- The Lakers are 1-3 ATS in their last four games while the Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last six contests.
- The total opened at 231.5 points but dipped as low as 238.5 ahead of tip off with the Under going 5-1 in the last six meetings. The Under is also 3-0 in Phoenix’s last three games.
Suns vs Lakers trend
The Phoenix Suns have hit the first-half moneyline in 22 of their last 36 away games (+11.95 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Lakers.
How to watch Suns vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California |
| Date | Sunday, 3-16-2025 |
| Tip-off | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC, ESPN+ |
Suns vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
