The Lakers are up in the season series, 1-0, but the two squads are still recovering from a losing streak so we should see an aggressive play on both ends.

Winners of back-to-back

The West-leading, 26-7 Los Angeles Lakers just got out of a four-game losing streak. They come in having won two-straight – a 128-120 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and a defensively dominating, 108-95 performance against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns in an offensive showdown back in mid-November, 123-115. LeBron James (19 pts, 11 assts) and Anthony Davis (24 pts, 12 rebs) each had a double-double and Kyle Kuzma added 23 points off the bench. The Lake Show were in great display that day as the team posted a season-high 39 assists.

Expect James (25.1 PPG, 10.8 APG) and Davis (27.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.5 BPG) to have the same type of effect tomorrow, and for Kuzma to aim for a bounce back game. The third-year forward was shutout on Monday against the Mavs, going scoreless on a 0-for-7 shooting night through 26 minutes of play.

The Lakers are 11-4 at home this season.

First winning streak in almost two months

The Suns have finally compiled a two-game winning streak again – it’s their first since November 5th. What’s more encouraging is that both were on the road. They are only 13-20 (7-8 on the road), though, still a couple of games back from a playoff spot.

As always, sweet-shooting and high-scoring Devin Booker will be eyed to carry the Suns. He’s been on a hot run too, averaging 33 points and seven assists on 54.5%-shooting across his last three outings. Booker also recorded a team-high 21 points to go along nine dimes in Phoenix’s previous meeting with the Lakers.

DeAndre Ayton will be in his third game back from suspension, but note that the rustiness is heightened due to an ankle sprain he suffered upon returning. The Suns’ prized big man was also quiet in the win against the Blazers on Monday – six points, 12 rebounds, 3-for-9 from the field.

Kelly Oubre and Ricky Rubio remain as the top secondary options. The former had 29 points with seven three-pointers on Monday, while the latter has five games with 20 or more points over his last nine.

PREDICTION:

The Lakers take it, 116-111.