Lakers Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Suns on Sunday

LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Phoenix Suns in a crucial Western Conference matchup on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena. With a record of 40-25, the Lakers currently sit in fifth place in the conference standings, while the Suns are 31-36, placing them 11th and 1.5 games behind the Lakers.

This game marks the fourth and final meeting of the season between these two teams. The Suns have claimed victory in two of the previous three encounters, though the Lakers have managed to cover the spread in two of those contests. LeBron James remains sidelined due to a leg injury, and Grayson Allen is also out for Phoenix due to a foot injury.

In the latest betting odds from SportsLine consensus, the Lakers are favored by 2.5 points, while the over/under for total points is set at 228. Prior to placing any bets, it’s advisable to consider the insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has shown substantial returns over the past six years, profiting over $10,000 for $100 players on top-rated picks.

The Lakers enter this game riding a four-game losing streak, intensifying the pressure on the franchise to avoid slipping into the play-in tournament. Recent games have tested their depth; despite missing James, they managed to cover as 15.5-point underdogs against the Denver Nuggets, narrowly losing 131-126. Key performances by players such as rookie guard Knecht, who registered 32 points, and another standout player who scored 37 points with impressive all-around contributions were uplifting amidst the losses.

On the other hand, the Suns, currently striving to enhance their playoff positioning, face criticism for lack of active moves at the NBA trade deadline. Nonetheless, they secured a significant 122-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, showcasing their potential. Devin Booker led the charge with 22 points and 13 assists, complemented by Kevin Durant, who also dropped 22 points. Notably, the Suns managed a phenomenal shooting performance, hitting 55.8% from three-point range.

The SportsLine model forecasts that the upcoming game will lean towards an Under outcome, projecting a combined score of 225 points. However, it suggests that one side of the spread holds an advantage hitting well over 50% of the time in simulations.

In conclusion, the upcoming Lakers vs. Suns matchup serves as a critical juncture for both teams. As the Lakers aim to snap their losing streak and the Suns fight to maintain their postseason ambitions, fans can expect an intensely competitive game.