The Phoenix Suns are set to tip off against the division rival Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, Dec. 1.
The Suns (12-9) lost their previous two games against the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively. They’ve lost three of their past four contests as their strength of schedule ramps up.
The Lakers (15-4) have won seven games in a row after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday night in LA.
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LeBron James, who missed the opening of the season for the first time in his career due to sciatica, sat out the game against New Orleans on the front end of a back-to-back. He's listed as a game-time decision for Monday.
Marcus Smart (back spasms) also missed the game against the Pelicans but might return against the Suns as another game-time decision. Former Suns center and No. 1 overall draft pick Deandre Ayton exited Sunday's game against New Orleans and did not return due to knee soreness. He's likewise a game-time decision to play against Phoenix.
For Phoenix, Jalen Green remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that’s kept him out for all but five quarters this season. Grayson Allen is back in action after missing seven games with a quad contusion. Isaiah Livers (hip) will not play and Ryan Dunn (wrist) is listed as a game-time decision against the Lakers. Both sat out Saturday’s loss against the Nuggets.
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This marks the first regular season meeting of the season between the Suns and Lakers.
Here’s how fans can tune in.
What channel is the Suns vs Lakers game on? How to watch on streaming
The matchup between the Suns and Lakers is available to stream on Peacock.
Fans in California can watch on Spectrum Sports Network.
NBA League Pass customers will be forced to watch on Peacock.
What time does the Suns vs Lakers game start?
Tipoff for the game is scheduled for 8 p.m. MST.
What’s the all-time matchup record between the Suns and Lakers?
The Lakers historically have held the advantage against the Suns with a 153-119 record all-time against Phoenix entering Monday’s contest.
Suns vs Lakers prediction
The Suns are looking to avoid a three-game losing streak when they face off against LeBron, Luka Doncic and the Lakers.
Fortunately for Phoenix, Monday’s game will be the second of a back-to-back for the Lakers. That could give the Suns — who lost both games of their Friday-Saturday back-to-back against Oklahoma City and Denver — an advantage.
Phoenix has fallen back to earth a bit after defying expectations throughout the first month of the season. The game against Los Angeles is the start of a four-game road trip that includes games against Houston, Minnesota and OKC once again. If the Suns don’t take advantage of the Lakers’ playing in back-to-back days, their losing streak could snowball in a hurry.
Prediction: Suns win 118-115