NBA Betting Matchup - Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

NBA juggernauts collide in the desert Thursday night when the defending Western Conference basketball playoffs champion Los Angeles Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns. Offshore sportsbooks have made the visiting Lakers 5-point favorites in this NBA wagering affair, with an Internet sports betting total of 207. Los Angeles is 8-1 on the season, 6-3 ATS (3-1 on the road). Phoenix, meanwhile, has played well enough to win eight of its 12 games on the season but is only 6-6 ATS (2-3 at home).

Lakers bettors and those who lean to the ‘over’ will be happy with the NBA betting trends in this match-up. The past four games between these teams in Phoenix have gone over the ‘total’, and the over is 5-1 in the past six overall. The Lakers have also covered the betting line five of the past six times, and are 6-1 ATS the L/7 times they’ve made the trip to the desert. One thing they have going against them, however, is that the underdog has covered four of the past five times these teams have squared off.

Phoenix was handled by Utah on Monday, losing 109-97 to a Jazz team that was without two of its best players, Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur. The Suns were porous defensively, allowing six Utah players to reach double-figures scoring, and also sending the Jazz to the line 36 times. And despite Amare Stoudamire’s 30-point effort, the offense couldn’t overcome the foul trouble of Steve Nash and Shaquille O’Neal, who combined for just 23 points on the night.

The Suns’ bench also wasn’t as effective without super-sub Leandro Barbosa, who missed the game for personal reasons. His status for this game is uncertain, so NBA handicappers should keep an eye on his situation before making a pro basketball wager on Phoenix.

Los Angeles quickly got back to its winning ways after losing its first game of the season, dropping the visiting Chicago Bulls 116-109 late Tuesday night. Pau Gasol led the charge, going off for a season-high 34 points with 24 coming in the first half. The Spanish big man had his way with the overmatched Chicago post players. Andrew Bynum also found the going easy inside, adding 18 points.

The Lakers proved to be human against Detroit, but make no mistake: They are still the most talented and deepest team in the NBA. The Suns’ defense could pave the way for another impressive performance from the Lakers offense, as it is at its best when getting out in transition. The ‘over’ is 5-1 in Los Angeles’ past six games, and there’s no reason to think the Lakers won’t do their part to help over bettors in this spot.

The Suns and Lakers have waged some epic battles over the years, especially in the playoffs. Their games are always hard-fought and intense, and this one should be no different. When you’re ready to place your online wagers on the side and total, make sure it’s at BetUS.com, the best NBA sportsbook and the only shop that can satisfy all of your sports betting needs.