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The Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers are set for a Western Conference heavyweight clash on Thursday (Oct. 26). The game will mark the second game of the 2023-24 NBA season for each squad.
The Suns will be trying to maintain momentum following their 108-104 road victory over the Golden State Warriors in their season opener on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will be looking to improve following their 119-107 season-opening road loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers game details
Teams: Phoenix Suns (1-0) vs. LA Lakers (0-1)
Date & Time: Oct. 26, 2023 / 10 p.m. ET on TNT
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, LA
Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers game preview and injury report
Phoenix has arguably the NBA's best Big 3 with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. However, it appears that the Suns may only have one of their stars available on Thursday night. Booker (foot) and Beal (back) are both listed as doubtful on the team's injury report, while guard Damion Lee (knee) is still out indefinitely.
Meanwhile, LA will be without forward Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) and rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee). However, wing Cam Reddish (foot) is listed as probable.
Assuming that Booker and Beal are out for Phoenix, LA projects to have much more offensive firepower and all-around depth.
Lakers star big man Anthony Davis should thrive against Suns starting center Jusuf Nurkic. Meanwhile, his co-star, LeBron James, will be locked into a head-to-head battle with Durant that could go either way.
However, the Lakers' biggest advantage should come at the guard positions. Their starting backcourt of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves will likely outperform whatever guards Phoenix starts. This should be especially true considering that the Suns don’t have a true point guard on their roster.
Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers odds and prediction
Spread: Suns (+6), Lakers (-6)
Over/Under: 223.5
Moneyline: Suns (+182), Lakers (-222)
With Booker and Beal both expected to miss Phoenix's matchup against LA on Thursday, the odds favor the Lakers to emerge victorious.
LA should have more depth and star power, so the shorthanded Suns could struggle to keep up. However, if Phoenix gets hot from 3-point range, it might be able to pull off an upset.
Phoenix Suns depth chart
LA Lakers depth chart
