Suns vs. Lakers Preview: Phoenix Looks to Rebound as LA Rolls In Riding a Hot Streak
The Phoenix Suns are staring down a pivotal early-season test Monday night as they take on the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers in their first regular-season meeting of the year. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. MST, and while it’s only December, this one has the feel of a tone-setter - not just for the Suns' upcoming road trip, but for where they stand in a loaded Western Conference.
Suns Searching for Stability
Phoenix enters this matchup at 12-9, but the record doesn’t quite tell the full story. The Suns have dropped three of their last four, including back-to-back losses to the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder - two of the West’s elite. That stretch has exposed some cracks in the armor as the schedule has stiffened, and now they’ll try to avoid a third straight loss against a Lakers squad that’s been firing on all cylinders.
Injuries continue to shape the Suns’ rotation. Jalen Green remains out with a lingering hamstring issue that’s limited him to just five quarters of action all season.
Grayson Allen, however, is back in the mix after missing seven games with a quad contusion - a much-needed boost for Phoenix’s perimeter shooting and spacing. Isaiah Livers (hip) is out, while rookie Ryan Dunn (wrist) is listed as a game-time decision after also missing Saturday’s loss to Denver.
Lakers Riding Momentum - But Fatigue Could Be a Factor
The Lakers, sitting at 15-4, are on a heater. Winners of seven straight, they just took care of business against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in LA.
But that win came without LeBron James, who missed the front end of the back-to-back as he continues to manage sciatica - a condition that sidelined him to start the season for the first time in his career. He’s officially a game-time decision for Monday’s clash in Phoenix.
The Lakers could also be without a couple of other key pieces. Marcus Smart sat out Sunday’s game with back spasms and is also a game-time call. Former Suns big man Deandre Ayton exited the Pelicans game with knee soreness and did not return - he, too, is questionable for Monday.
That’s a lot of uncertainty for a Lakers team that’s been rolling, and it opens the door for a Suns squad in need of a spark.
Opportunity Knocks for Phoenix
This game comes at a critical juncture for the Suns. Not only are they trying to snap a two-game skid, but they’re also about to embark on a tough four-game road trip that includes stops in Houston, Minnesota, and another showdown with OKC. Dropping Monday’s game could set the stage for a rough stretch - but if they can take advantage of a potentially fatigued Lakers team on the second night of a back-to-back, it could be just the momentum shift they need.
The key for Phoenix? Defensive discipline and offensive cohesion.
Against Denver and OKC, the Suns struggled to string together stops and fell into isolation-heavy stretches on offense. That won’t cut it against a Lakers team that, even if shorthanded, has enough firepower and defensive bite to punish mistakes.
The History
The Lakers have historically had the upper hand in this rivalry, holding a 153-119 all-time record against the Suns heading into Monday’s matchup. But history doesn’t win games - execution does.
And for Phoenix, this one’s about more than just snapping a skid. It’s about proving they can hang with the West’s best when it counts.
How to Watch
- Streaming: Available on Peacock
- Regional Broadcast: Spectrum Sports Network (California)
- NBA League Pass: Blacked out; fans must stream via Peacock
Tipoff Time: 8 p.m. MST
Bottom line: The Suns need this one. The Lakers might be banged up, but they’re rolling. If Phoenix wants to stay in the thick of the Western Conference race, Monday night is the time to plant a flag.