Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Predictions – December 23, 2025
The Phoenix Suns visit the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night in a high-profile Western Conference matchup. Tip is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET. Phoenix has won five of its last seven and continues to climb the standings behind elite midrange efficiency. The Lakers, meanwhile, are desperate to avoid another skid after dropping three straight.
There’s playoff-level familiarity here — these teams have battled often the past few seasons, and both have something to prove. Phoenix handled business in their last trip to L.A., but LeBron and AD should come out sharper after a flat loss to the Clippers.
Gain Full Access to Pro Betting Reports
Stats That Turn Insight Into Profit
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds
Here are the current lines — be sure to track latest NBA odds for movement as tipoff nears.
TeamMoneylineSpreadTotalPhoenix Suns+115+2.5 (-110)O 231.5 (-110)Los Angeles Lakers-135-2.5 (-110)U 231.5 (-110)
Phoenix Suns Betting Form
The Suns are quietly rounding into form. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant remain nearly unguardable in the midrange, while Bradley Beal’s reintegration has smoothed out their halfcourt flow. Phoenix is now top-5 in offensive efficiency over the last 10 games and has the 3rd-best assist-to-turnover ratio in that span.
Still, interior defense is a concern. Without true rim protection, they’ve allowed big nights to versatile bigs — something to watch against Anthony Davis. The Suns also don’t generate many transition looks, making them vulnerable when shots don’t fall.
Check the Phoenix Suns injury report to confirm Beal’s minutes restriction or any late scratches.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Form
The Los Angeles Lakers are sliding — again. After peaking during the In-Season Tournament, they’ve dropped six of their last nine and just got blown out by the Clippers. LeBron James is still producing, but the effort around him hasn’t been consistent.
Davis has been dominant in stretches, but defensive rebounding remains an issue. The Lakers are bottom five in defensive rebounding rate in December. That could be a problem against Phoenix’s midrange-heavy shot profile — where long misses often lead to second chances.
Before placing bets, monitor the Los Angeles Lakers injury report for updates on D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Matchup Breakdown
These teams know each other well. It’ll come down to pace and shot-making. The Suns will operate through Booker and Durant in the mid-post, while L.A. will attack downhill with Davis and hunt mismatches in transition. Phoenix is more efficient; L.A. is more physical.
Key matchup factors:
Lakers allow 40% on opponent 3s over the last 5 games
Suns shoot the highest percentage on midrange attempts league-wide
AD could feast inside — Phoenix allows 54+ points in the paint regularly
Both teams struggle to protect the ball, which could create prop value on steals
Want to sharpen your approach? Study our NBA betting guide or explore how to bet on NBA games.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions and Best Bets
Phoenix feels like the sharper side here — better spacing, more consistent shooting, and the ability to exploit L.A.’s halfcourt defense. But the Lakers are in desperation mode, and LeBron often delivers in these spots. That’s why the market’s so tight.
The stronger angle may be the total. Neither team plays with great tempo, but both offenses can catch fire. If AD gets going and the Suns continue their shooting tear, this could close around 235+. Still, it feels like a 112–108 kind of game.
If you’re considering multiple bets or insurance, review how a hedge bet could play into your ticket strategy.
Best Bet: Phoenix Suns +2.5 (-110).
NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Need more sharp picks? Head to today’s NBA picks for free expert predictions and betting insights. Compare ROI and records across the handicapper leaderboard or follow one of the top sports handicappers in real time.
Premium access gives you full-game, prop, and parlay bets — check out buy expert picks for that next edge.