The Lakers and Suns remain two of the league’s most high-profile teams, which generates significant preseason betting interest even though neither team treats preseason games as high-priority contests. Books list the Lakers as a -3 favorite, Phoenix at +3, and a total around 220 — but nearly every element of this matchup points toward value on the Suns and on the under.
The Lakers almost always approach preseason cautiously. Their stars play minimal minutes, often restricted to a single quarter or a pair of short stints. Their coaching staff prioritizes health over rhythm, especially with an aging roster. When the stars sit, the Lakers rely heavily on inexperienced players and end-of-roster depth, which results in inconsistent scoring and long scoring droughts.
Phoenix, however, leans on its younger rotation pieces more heavily throughout preseason. Their bench is usually more athletic and faster-paced, which gives them the edge in second- and third-quarter stretches. Even if Phoenix sits its star players, their younger units tend to outplay Los Angeles’ non-star rotations.
The total at 220 is inflated largely because of brand perception. Bettors anticipate offense because these teams feature big names, but preseason flow is rarely smooth. The Lakers’ offense struggles without spacing, and Phoenix’s younger bench units don’t always execute half-court sets efficiently. This leads to sloppy possessions, rushed threes, and erratic transition attempts — all of which suppress scoring.
This game also leans toward the Suns because they consistently treat preseason as legitimate competitive reps rather than maintenance. Their depth players fight hard for minutes, and that extra energy often swings second halves.
Prediction: Suns +3
