The Phoenix Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in the third matchup between the two sides this season.
The Suns dominated the first two games with the Lakers and now want to go 3-0 vs the 17-time NBA champions.
Phoenix (53-14) has clinched its spot in the postseason and is close to securing the No.1 place in the West. On the other hand, the Lakers are ninth in the standings (29-37) and their playoff presence is in jeopardy.
With Anthony Davis out, the Lakers have won only twice since the All-Star Break (2-6) and are struggling on both ends.
Climbing to seventh or eighth looks difficult for Los Angeles, given their current form. Therefore, if things don’t change, they will need two wins in the play-in tournament to advance to the postseason.
The Lakers expect Davis to return next week, after missing significant time with a foot injury. Head coach Frank Vogel told reporters, including Hedge Out, that Davis will start on-court work tomorrow. With that in mind, the All-Star forward/center could play as early as next weekend.
Frank Vogel says Anthony Davis will start on-court work on Monday, which will include spot shooting. Vogel and the @Lakers expect Davis to return to the lineup soon#LakeShow — Hedge_out (@hedge_out) March 14, 2022
Until then, though, the Lakers will rely on LeBron James, as they are trying to build a winning streak. The “King” has been unstoppable lately, coming off a couple of 50-point performances vs the Warriors and the Wizards, respectively.
Phoenix head coach Monty Williams said pregame that his team has to ‘build a wall’ and ‘have eyes on LeBron’ all time to stop the four-time champion.
Suns head coach Monty Williams tells media pregame that stopping @Lakers transition and @KingJames will be key to victory. Phoenix wants to go 3-0 vs the Lakers this season#LakeShow #RallyTheValley — Hedge_out (@hedge_out) March 14, 2022
The Suns want to return to the winning track, following the home defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Friday (117-112). The West leaders seek to maintain their momentum, as they are waiting star guard Chris Paul to return.
Paul is out since the All-Star Break with a thumb injury and will return within the first two weeks of April. Phoenix is 5-4 without the veteran guard.
If his return takes place in early April, then Paul will be available for the final matchup between the two teams on April 5 in Phoenix. If not, then the Suns will keep him out a few more days so he will be ready for the start of the playoffs (April 16).
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