The Phoenix Suns started off the NBA’s 75th season at home against the Denver Nuggets. Phoenix faced Denver in the playoffs last season, sweeping the series. But Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets were too much for the Suns tonight, handing them their first loss.
Now, the Suns are on to their first away game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. They also faced the Lakers in the playoffs, taking them out in round one. But things are going to be different this game. Anthony Davis is healthy and back on the roster and he is already causing havoc.
Game Odds By DraftKings
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- Spread: Suns +3.5 / Lakers -3.5
- Total: 227.5
- Moneyline: Suns +145 / Lakers -165
Odds To Win NBA Finals
- Lakers: +400
- Suns: +1700
Odds To Win Western Conference
- Lakers: +195
- Suns: +650
Phoenix Suns Preview (0-1)
Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Deandre Ayton were the starting five for the first game of the season and things were looking good at the beginning. The Suns led at the half, but it didn’t stay that way in the second half, with Phoenix losing 110-98.
Chris Paul ended the game with 15 points, four rebounds, and 10 assists. Ayton also had 15 points and six rebounds. The high scorer was Mikal Bridges with 16 points. Booker scored 12 points and Cameron Johnson and Cam Payne also finished the game with double digits.
But even with the stacked roster, the Suns only shot 41.4 percent opening night. They did however only miss five free throws, ending the night shooting 70.6 percent from the free throw line. The Nuggets had 17 turnovers, but the Suns had them beat with 18.
The Suns now have to regroup and take on another tough Western Conference team, the Los Angeles Lakers. It is going to be difficult to get the W on the road, but if the Suns can limit their turnovers, improve their shooting percentage, and keep up with making their free throws, the Suns can make this a close game. The defense will need to show up and not just for the first half. The Phoenix Suns need to come out on fire and keep blazing all game long to beat LA.
Los Angeles Lakers Preview (0-1)
The Lakers also lost their first game of the season, losing 121 to 114 at home on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles has another all-star roster this year, with Russell Westbrook, Kent Bazemore, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and DeAndre Jordan starting the game on Tuesday. Of course, the Lakers are at the top of most of the sportsbooks apps to win it all this year.
The basketball world was shocked when they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year. But a lot of that had to do with the absence of Anthony Davis. He is now back and finished his first game back with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Lebron James had 34 points and 11 rebounds, proving that he still has it at 36-years-old. But it was clear that Davis and James carried the team. The rest of the players didn’t play well at all. Jordan only had two points and two rebounds and Bazemore finished with eight points. The biggest disappointment was the debut of Russel Westbrook who had only eight points and four turnovers.
The Lakers shot 47.9 percent and only hit nine of 19 free throws. They also had 17 turnovers and 25 personal fouls. It was just sloppy play all around. This is good news for the Suns, but with James leading the team, I don’t see the Lakers playing two bad games in a row.
How To Watch The Suns And Lakers Game
- Date: Friday, October 22
- Time: 7:00 PM MST
- Location: Staples Center in Los Angeles, California
- TV: ESPN
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