The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Phoenix for a crucial Western Conference clash on February 26, 2026, in a game that could impact the playoff race. The Lakers currently hold the sixth spot in the West, while the Suns are just behind them, making this matchup important for positioning and momentum. However, the biggest story heading into this game is Phoenix’s offensive struggles. With multiple key scorers sidelined, the Suns have found it difficult to generate points, managing extremely low totals in recent losses.
Los Angeles enter as road favorites and will look to take advantage of Phoenix’s scoring issues. The Lakers have been inconsistent lately but still remain one of the stronger offensive teams when their stars are healthy. Phoenix, on the other hand, rely heavily on defense to stay competitive, but their recent offensive form has put extra pressure on that unit. With injuries, recent trends, and playoff implications in play, this matchup is expected to be a slower, physical contest.
Below is a complete preview including standings, recent performance, injury updates, key player stats, head-to-head trends, and the best picks for tonight’s NBA game.
Match Information
| Match | Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns |
|---|---|
| Date | February 26, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 PM ET |
| Venue | PHX Arena, Phoenix |
| TV | Spectrum SportsNet, AZFamily |
| Spread | Lakers -5.5 to -6 |
| Total | 220.5 to 222.5 |
| Moneyline | Lakers around -220 |
Current Standings & Team Overview
| Team | Record | Conference Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 34–23 | 6th West |
| Suns | 33–26 | 7th West |
The Lakers hold a small advantage in the standings and have been stronger as favorites this season. Phoenix remain competitive overall but have dropped several games recently due to scoring issues.
Recent Form (Last 10 Games)
| Team | Last 10 Record | ATS | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 5–5 | 4–6 | Scoring remains steady |
| Suns | 3–7 | 3–7 | Offense struggling badly |
The Suns have scored 77 and 81 points in two recent losses, and during their last seven defeats they are averaging only about 93 points per game.
Injury Report (Latest)
Phoenix Suns
- Devin Booker – Out (hip)
- Dillon Brooks – Out (hand)
- Jordan Goodwin – Out (calf)
- Additional rotation absences impacting depth
Los Angeles Lakers
- Rui Hachimura – Questionable (illness)
- Jaxson Hayes – Probable (ankle)
- Depth players assigned or inactive
Phoenix are clearly more affected by injuries, especially in scoring roles.
Also see: Cam Thomas Injury Update: Bucks Guard Confirms He Is Fully Healthy
Team Stats Comparison
| Stat | Lakers | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 115.6 | 112.1 |
| Points Allowed | 115.9 | 111.4 |
| Field Goal % | 49.8% | 45.3% |
| ATS Record | 29-27-1 | 35-22-2 |
The Lakers’ shooting efficiency gives them an edge, especially against a Suns offense that has struggled to reach even 100 points recently.
Key Players to Watch
Los Angeles Lakers
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 32.5 | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Austin Reaves | 25.0 | 5.0 | 5.6 |
| LeBron James | 21.7 | 5.7 | 7.0 |
| Deandre Ayton | 13.2 | 8.5 | 0.9 |
Doncic’s playmaking and Reaves’ scoring are expected to be key against a weakened Suns backcourt.
Phoenix Suns
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collin Gillespie | 13.4 | 4.1 | 4.7 |
| Grayson Allen | 17.2 | 3.1 | 3.9 |
| Mark Williams | 11.7 | 8.0 | 1.0 |
| Royce O’Neale | 10.0 | 4.9 | 2.8 |
With Booker and Brooks out, Phoenix depend heavily on role players to carry the offense.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Trends
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Season Series | Suns lead 2–1 |
| ATS | Suns 2–1 ATS |
| Combined Avg Points | Around 227 per game |
Although Phoenix lead the season series, both previous wins came when their key scorers were available.
Matchup Analysis
This game is likely to be decided by offensive efficiency. The Suns’ defense remains solid, but without their primary scorers, they struggle to keep pace. The Lakers generate a high number of free throw attempts and should be able to control the tempo.
Phoenix’s recent offensive rating and low scoring totals suggest a slower game, which also supports a lower overall total. If the Lakers cross the 110-point mark, their strong record in such situations indicates a high chance of victory.
Best Picks for Lakers vs Suns
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Lakers -5.5 |
| Moneyline | Lakers Win |
| Total | Lean Under 222.5 |
| Player Angle | Austin Reaves Over 19.5 Points |
| Prop Angle | Luka Doncic Over 7.5 Assists |
Score Prediction
Lakers 112 – Suns 102
The Suns’ injury situation has created a major scoring gap, and their recent offensive numbers show how difficult it has been to compete against healthy teams. The Lakers have more firepower, better shooting efficiency, and the ability to control the pace through Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Expect Los Angeles to take advantage of Phoenix’s limited offense and secure an important road win. The matchup also points toward a lower-scoring game, with the Suns struggling to reach their usual output and the Lakers playing a more controlled style on the road.
