The Lakers Underdogs in Sunday NBA Betting

NBA betting rarely have the Lakers as underdogs but that's the scenario in Game 3.  The Phoenix Suns were excellent at home this season and even though they lost the first two games against Los Angeles, several people feel they can rebound with a win in Game 3.  Phoenix were in Game 2 but their defense again faltered and the Los Angeles Lakers wound up winning 124-112.

The Phoenix Suns must find the right way to play at least some defense if they would like to win on Sunday.  Kobe Bryant defeated them in Game 1 and it was Pau Gasol who defeated them in Game 2. Gasol had 29 points making Amare Stoudemire seem like the defensive stiff he is. Lamar Odom performed nicely again and Ron Artest hit from the outside. The Phoenix Suns were able to score points as Jason Richardson had 27 points but unless Phoenix can start playing defense this series is over. "Well, what can you say?" Suns Coach Alvin Gentry said. "We are just having a hard time.... We can't slow them down. I thought we played well offensively. But every time we tried to make an adjustment to slow them down, they go somewhere else." The Phoenix Suns had 5 players in double figures and they still lost by 12 points. 

The Lakers are 4- versus the NBA betting in their previous 4 Conference Finals games. The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 playoff games as an underdog. Los Angeles are 1-4 ATS in their past 5 Sunday games. The Lakers are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Phoenix. Phoenix does have some good home trends. They are 16-4-1 ATS in their previous 21 home games. Phoenix are 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite. Phoenix are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 Sunday games. 

The total in this series keeps rising and for good cause.  The Over is 5--1 vs. the basketball gambling in the Los Angeles Lakers last 6 overall. The Over is 4-1-1 in the Lakers last 6 road games. The Over is 5-1 in Phoenix last 6 overall. The Over is 5-1 in the Suns' last 6 home games. The Over is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings between both teams. 

Los Angeles have demonstrated they can win games on the road while in the playoffs. Los Angeles in fact can be a better value in road games than at home where they can be overpriced. The most popular team in the NBA is Los Angeles. They've got the star power in Kobe Bryant, the Hall of Fame head coach in Phil Jackson and the superstar fans like Jack Nicholson. Phoenix has haven't won an NBA championship, but they have some good success in the past during home games. With the home court advantage, Los Angeles betting of completely sweeping Phoenix drop markedly, and Phoenix may come out on top of this match.