The Phoenix Suns aim for back-to-back wins against the LA teams, while the Los Angeles Lakers look to start 2-0 for the first time since 2010.
Catch the game tomorrow at 10:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Phoenix Suns (1-0, 1-0 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- Tyus Jones
- Devin Booker
- Bradley Beal
- Kevin Durant
- Jusuf Nurkic
The Suns are coming off a come-from-behind, 116-113 overtime win against the LA Clippers on Thursday, spoiling their debut at the new Intuit Dome. It was a barnburner courtesy of a back-and-forth affair, one that should’ve pumped some energy into this Phoenix squad.
Every Sun starter reached double figures, as led by Kevin Durant’s 25 points and Bradley Beal’s 24. New point guard Tyus Jones had 11 points and eight assists with zero turnovers, while big man Jusuf Nurkic had a fairly scattered production: 11 points, nine boards, two dimes, and two steals. Supposed no. 2 scorer Devin Booker, meanwhile, was noticeably quiet, as he only went 5-of-9 for 15 points, though he did add six assists.
Phoenix finished 2-3 vs. the Lakers last season, averaging 113.4 points per game. Things figure to be different now, however, with offensive guru and champion coach Mike Budenholzer being the new maestro.
HOME: Los Angeles Lakers (1-0, 1-0 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- D’Angelo Russell
- Austin Reaves
- Rui Hachimura
- LeBron James
- Anthony Davis
The Lakers won a season opener for the first time since 2016 – the first one in the LeBron James era. They beat the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves this past Wednsday, 110-103, which also kicked off the coaching career of rookie HC JJ Redick.
The play looked refreshing on both ends. Defensively, they forced 16 turnovers and held the T-Wolves to just 41.2% shooting, including a respectable 10-of-23 on star Anthony Edwards. The offense, on the other hand, looked more alive than ever, with more passing, action, and other set plays. Plenty of guys ate: Anthony Davis was everywhere for the Lake Show, posting 36 points 16 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks; Rui Hachiumura appeared very confident and notched 18 points; and Austin Reaves filled the statsheet with a 12/9/4 line. James didn’t have his typical numbers (16/5/4), though he looked fine for the most part.
One thing the Purple and Gold ought to do is be more efficient in its outside shots. They had a truckload of good looks and couldn’t convert, going an abysmal 5-of-30 from three – good thing they won.
Lakers went 3-2 vs. the Suns in 2023-24, putting up 110.0 PPG.
PICKS:
Spread: Suns (+1.5)
Over/Under: Over (225)