Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions for Thursday February 26 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 02/26/2026, 02:05 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to the Mortgage Matchup Center on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to take on the Phoenix Suns. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET, and the game will be televised on Spectrum Sports Net. This Western Conference showdown features two teams in the playoff picture, with the Lakers looking to bounce back from consecutive losses and the Suns trying to stabilize after a rough recent stretch. At the time of this writing, the odds were not released. Be sure to check out our free NBA picks for today’s action.

Lakers Searching for Consistency

The Lakers enter this matchup at 34-23 overall and 18-11 on the road. Los Angeles recently lost to Orlando 110-109 and Boston 111-89, but they also picked up wins over the Clippers 125-122 and Dallas 124-104, along with a loss to San Antonio 136-108. That 2-3 stretch highlights inconsistency on both ends of the floor.

On the season, the Lakers are averaging 115.7 points per game while allowing 115.9 points per contest. They shoot an impressive 50% from the field and average 40.9 rebounds and 25.3 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 4.0 blocks and 8.2 steals per contest.

What stands out most about the Lakers is their efficiency from the field. Shooting 50% gives them a strong foundation offensively, but allowing nearly 116 points per game means they often find themselves in high-scoring battles. If they can tighten up defensively, they have the firepower to compete with anyone.

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Suns Hoping Home Court Sparks a Turnaround

Phoenix comes into this contest at 33-26 overall and 19-12 at home. The Suns recently lost to Boston 97-81 and Portland 92-77, while earning a double-overtime win over Orlando 113-110. They also lost to San Antonio 121-94 and Oklahoma City 136-109. That 1-4 stretch reflects offensive struggles and defensive lapses.

The Suns are averaging 112.6 points per game while allowing 111.4 points per contest. They shoot 45% from the field and average 43.4 rebounds and 24.7 assists per game. Phoenix also stands out defensively with 10.1 steals per game, one of the higher marks in this matchup.

Phoenix’s defensive activity, particularly their ability to generate steals, could be a key factor. If they can create turnovers and convert them into transition points, they may be able to disrupt the Lakers’ offensive rhythm.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Pick

Lakers vs Suns Pick

Pick: Los Angeles Lakers Moneyline

Despite recent losses, the Lakers’ superior shooting percentage and stronger overall record give them the edge. Their 18-11 road mark is solid, and their ability to score efficiently should help them overcome Phoenix’s recent defensive activity.

Lakers vs Suns Total Pick

Pick: Under 228 Points

I’m leaning toward the under in this matchup. Phoenix has struggled offensively in four of its last five games, scoring 97 or fewer in three of those contests. While the Lakers can score, recent Suns games have trended lower due to offensive inefficiency. I expect a more controlled pace here.

Final Score Prediction: Lakers 113, Suns 108

This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Wednesday.