<p>The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers will take on each other as they look to get some key minutes into the legs of their players ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 NBA season.</p> <p>The two Western Conference franchises know each other well, and there having been many competitive clashes between them. But will the game on Saturday, October 4, at 12:00 AEST be just as close as some of their recent meetings have been?</p> <p>Or will it highlight what may still need to happen if either of them is to be in contention for the NBA Finals at the end of the season?</p> <h2>Suns vs Lakers: Betting Preview</h2> <p>A pinch of salt should usually be taken with preseason games, especially the first of those to be played. Rust can be real, with players often struggling to get into their rhythm and still fine-tuning their skills on the court as they try to warm up.</p> <p>However, there have been plenty of close games between the Suns and Lakers in the past, which is why there can be some potential betting value in this contest.</p> <p>In their last four meetings, they have split the wins, with each team winning twice. Interestingly, a trend appears to have emerged, with the hosts coming out on top in each of them. The results that occurred were:</p> <p>Lakers 107-96 Suns - March 2025</p> <ul> <li>Suns 127-100 Lakers - Nov 2024</li> <li>Suns 109-105 Lakers - Oct 2024</li> <li>Lakers 123-116 Suns - Oct 2024</li> </ul> <p>This is a game that may see many of the big names be rested, although it is also a game that may provide value if many of them do play. It’s unlikely we’ll see LeBron James on the court, but we could see his son, Bronny, get some minutes as he looks to improve his game. Luka Doncic is another who could feature in some capacity. The Suns will be without Kevin Durant after his trade, but Devin Booker and Khaman Maluach may well feature.</p> <h2>Suns vs Lakers: Betting Predictions</h2> <p>The betting odds will likely favour the Los Angeles Lakers to win this game, but there’s value in backing the Suns to win. The Gold &amp; Purple have lost each of their three preseason games at the Acrisure Arena, with this being their fourth.</p> <p>The handicap market could be worth exploring for additional value, with a positive figure for the Suns potentially offering a value bet against the Lakers’ perceived issues at this venue.</p> <p>In addition, it could be a high-scoring game. If the total points line is set around 228-229.5, it’s worth betting on the ‘Under’ as the last four matches between the two franchises have tended to go under this figure. The last three meetings haven’t gone over this total, and with players likely to be rested, and that little hint of rustiness in the air, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it didn’t hit once again.</p>