The Phoenix Suns will face the LA Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, January 11, 2024. This will be the fourth and second-last meeting between the two teams this season, with the Lakers winning the first three. They have dominated the matchup against the Suns this season and have won five consecutive games dating back to March 22, 2023. The last time they faced each other was in the quarterfinals of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament on December 5, 2023. “King James” led the way for the Lakers with 31 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and five steals in the 106-103 victory.
Preview
Thursday’s game will be the 267th regular meeting between these two franchises. The Lakers have won five in a row, but the Suns won the previous five from 2021 to 2022. For the current season, Phoenix have won five of their last 10 games and are still struggling for consistency. They are on a two-game losing streak after two consecutive losses to the Grizzlies and LA Clippers. On the other hand, the Lakers are starting to build some momentum after some terrible games. They are on a two-game winning streak, having defeated the LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors in two very close contests.
Starting lineups of both teams
The Phoenix Suns have only one player on their injury report. Their likely starting lineup for the next game will include Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic. On the other hand, the LA Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis on their injury report. But still, James and Davis are expected to be in the starting five, along with Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish.
Prediction
The LA Lakers are favorites to pick up a win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. They are on a two-game winning streak and are playing slightly better than the Suns currently, who are on a two-game losing streak. It is predicted by the oddsmakers that the Lakers will win the game and cover the spread. The total score of the game is predicted to go down.
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