SportsLine’s model just revealed its NBA picks for Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday

The Phoenix Suns (33-24) are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers (31-27) in a Pacific Division battle on Sunday afternoon. This is the fifth and final regular season contest between these clubs. Los Angeles has won three of the four games played thus far but Phoenix came out on top in the last contest. On Jan. 11, the Suns beat the Lakers 127-109. LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles/Hip) are questionable for the Lakers, while Bradley Beal (hamstring) is out for Phoenix.

Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Suns are 4-point favorites in the latest Lakers vs. Suns odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 241.5. Before making any Suns vs. Lakers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 18 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 60-36 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,300. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Suns. You can head to SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Suns vs. Lakers:

Lakers vs. Suns spread: Phoenix -4
Lakers vs. Suns over/under: 241.5 points
Lakers vs. Suns money line: Phoenix -167, Los Angeles +141
LAL: The Lakers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games played on a Sunday
PHO: The Suns are 7-0 in their last seven games at home
Lakers vs. Suns picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Suns can cover
The Suns are averaging 117.4 points per game this season and they’ve won seven straight games at home. Kevin Durant paces Phoenix in scoring with 28.1 points per game. Durant stuffed the stat sheet in Friday’s loss to the Rockets, recording 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal.

Center Jusuf Nurkic has also been extremely effective for the Suns this season, averaging 11.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Nurkic is knocking down 51.6% of his field goal attempts. He sat out Friday’s loss to Houston with a right ankle sprain but he’s expected to be in the lineup for Sunday’s showdown with the Lakers. See who to back at SportsLine.

Why the Lakers can cover
Guard D’Angelo Russell has a calming presence when on the court. Russell will space the floor due to his reliable jumper but will make the right read as a passer. The Ohio State product puts up 17.5 points and 6.4 assists per game, while making 41% of his 3-pointers. On Feb. 23, Russell recorded 22 points and six boards.

Guard Austin Reaves is an all-around playmaker for the Lakers. Reaves is not afraid to attack the lane while utilizing his jump shot to keep the defense guessing. The Oklahoma product logs 15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. On Feb. 22 versus the Warriors, Reaves had 16 points and four assists. See who to back at SportsLine.

How to make Suns vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 243 points. The model also says one side hits in almost 60% of simulations. You can only see the picks at SportsLine.