Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

For the first time this season, the Lakers lost four straight games as they concluded their road trip with a 131-126 loss to the Denver Nuggets. They will need a boost when they return to Los Angeles.

Despite being in 11th place in the Western Conference standings, the Suns are now only two victories behind the Dallas Mavericks, who are in 10th place, and the Kings, who are in ninth, with one game remaining.

This weekend's trip is as good a time as any to help Sunday's visitors get their act together away from home, especially considering their dismal 2-10 record over the last 12 games on enemy territory.

In a tightly contested game at Ball Arena, Austin Reaves (37 points) and Dalton Knecht (32 points) stepped up in the absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, combining for 69 points. Reaves also dished out a game-high 13 assists, but their efforts weren’t enough to secure a win.

The Lakers, once in a comfortable position, have now slipped to fifth in the Western Conference. This drop raises concerns about their chances of securing an automatic playoff berth, potentially forcing them into the play-in tournament.

However, the team can take solace in returning to their home court, where they’ve won their last six games. With a five-game homestand ahead, the Lakers are optimistic about building momentum and climbing back up the standings.

Since their victory in the season’s first matchup on October 26, the Lakers have lost the last two games against their upcoming opponent. They’ll now aim to level the series at 2-2.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns, fresh off a four-game road trip, enjoyed a successful return to their home court on Saturday. They secured a convincing 122-106 win over the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center, boosting their confidence as they continue their campaign.

Due in large part to their dominance from beyond the arc, Mike Budenholzer's team was dominant from the beginning to the end. They won three of the four quarters and led for just under 45 of the 48 minutes of play. They made three times as many three-pointers (24) as their opponents that day (eight).

The Suns secured a much-needed victory in their fight for postseason qualifying with six players in double digits for points, led by the usual suspects Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who both scored 22 points.