Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

The Phoenix Suns (45-35) and Los Angeles Lakers (41-39) meet Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Suns vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Suns failed to cover as 13-point home favorites Thursday in a 119-115 win vs. the Denver Nuggets. Phoenix won its 7th straight and is 3 games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors for the 4th seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers failed to cover as 1-point favorites Wednesday in a 125-118 loss at the Clippers. The Lakers are 7th in the West and own the tiebreaker over the Pelicans, who have the same record. The Lakers are 1 game behind the Clippers and Warriors.

The Suns lead this season's series 2-1 straight up and against the spread, while the Over has hit in 2 of the 3 meetings. The Lakers covered as 1.5-point home favorites with a 122-111 win as the Over (227.5) cashed in the most-recent meeting March 22. The Suns have ruled out G Devin Booker, F Kevin Durant, G Chris Paul and C Deandre Ayton.