NBA Matchup: Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers
Date: 25th May 2021
Time: 10:00 PM EST (7:30 AM IST 26th May)
Game 2 of the first-round series in the western conference between the LA Lakers and the Phoenix Suns tips off tonight. Game 1 concluded with the Phoenix Suns grabbing the win, lead by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. The reigning champions look to get their first win this postseason to avoid the herculean task of coming back down 0-2.
In the regular season, these division rivals faced off 3 times where the Phoenix Suns bested them twice.
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Phoenix Suns Vs LA Lakers Game 2 Prediction
The Suns played their first playoff game since the 09-10 season and they put the rest of the NBA on notice. They are relatively inexperienced but their heart and hunger was the driving force in their first matchup. Deandre Ayton, who has been unfairly criticized just because he had been drafted before Luka Doncic and Trae Young, was better than Anthony Davis in that game. Devin Booker had not been given serious credibility as his stats never translated to wins. And Chris Paul, who some dubbed as the worst contract of all time, also has a chip on his shoulder. He suffered a shoulder contusion in game one and looked like he was in pain the rest of the game. However, he is set to play Game 2 but more of the load will be on the young stars.
Chris Paul was shaken up after this play and headed to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/qvr79pSG1J
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 23, 2021
LeBron James has been under scrutiny after, what people assumed to be, breaking protocols. He and Anthony Davis had also missed considerable time which led to them becoming a low seed. That means no advantages entering into these playoffs. They have also been rusty and need to have a big game to get back in rhythm for the LA Lakers to have some chance at a possible repeat. The rest of the team had a poor shooting night as well which they would hope to rectify by tonight.
The LA Lakers will be hungry for a win tonight and the Phoenix Suns will be at a disadvantage due to Chris Paul’s shoulder contusion. This will be in LA’s favour and they are expected to record a close win tonight tying the series 1-1.
Injury Report
LA Lakers:
Anthony Davis: (Game Time Decision) Right Shoulder
LeBron James: (Game Time Decision) Right Ankle
Phoenix Suns:
Abdel Nader: Out with Right Knee arthroscopy.
How to Watch Suns vs Lakers?
You can watch the game on TV at ABC at 10:00 PM ET or stream it Live on WatchESPN. You can also watch the game globally on NBA League Pass.
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