Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.26.26

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.26.26

On February 26, 2026, the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix will host a high-stakes Western Conference clash between the Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) and the Phoenix Suns (33-26). Scheduled for 9:00 PM, this matchup features two teams battling for playoff positioning, though they enter the arena in very different physical conditions.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Matchup Preview

Los Angeles Lakers Key Stats & Trends

The Lakers have found their rhythm behind the historic production of Luka Doncic. Averaging an incredible 32.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 8.6 APG, Doncic has become the league’s most difficult cover. Complementing his perimeter dominance is Deandre Ayton, who provides a double-double threat and interior stability with 8.5 RPG. The Lakers’ offense thrives on high-screen actions that exploit Doncic’s elite vision and Ayton’s gravity near the rim.

Injury Report Los Angeles Lakers

• Jaxson Hayes (Day-to-day): Hayes (ankle) is probable for Thursday’s game against Phoenix, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.
• Rui Hachimura (Day-to-day): Hachimura is questionable for Thursday’s game in Phoenix due to an illness.

Phoenix Suns Key Stats & Trends

The Suns are currently navigating a severe personnel crisis. With their primary stars sidelined, Grayson Allen has stepped up as the leading scorer, averaging 17.2 PPG. While Mark Williams remains a force on the glass with 8.0 RPG and Collin Gillespie manages the floor with 4.7 APG, the roster lacks the depth to maintain defensive consistency. Their transition defense has struggled significantly without their primary stoppers.

Injury Report Phoenix Suns

• Cole Anthony (Out): Anthony (not with team) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.
• Jordan Goodwin (Out): Goodwin (calf) will be re-evaluated in 1-to-2 weeks, according to Suns reporter Mark McClune.
• Dillon Brooks (Out): Brooks’ timetable for his broken left hand is 4-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
• Haywood Highsmith (Out): Highsmith (knee) will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, Shane Young of the Suns’ official site reports.
• Devin Booker (Out): Booker will have his right hip strain reevaluated by medical staff in one week, Shane Young of the Suns’ official site reports.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction & Best Bet

Given the extensive injury list for Phoenix—missing Devin Booker and defensive anchors like Dillon Brooks—the Los Angeles Lakers are the definitive pick to win. The Suns simply do not have the perimeter defenders available to contain Luka Doncic. Regarding the total, we recommend the over on 217.5 points. The Lakers play at a top-ten pace, and Phoenix’s depleted rotation will likely struggle to get stops, leading to a high-scoring affair dominated by Los Angeles’ elite transition offense.