Kevin Durant is set to return tonight when the Phoenix Suns host the Los Angeles Lakers.
The pregame narrative: The Suns went 1-6 without KD in the lineup and I expect him to get them back in the win column tonight. A prop bet on Los Angeles’ Dalton Knecht rounds out this +310 SGP.
Check out my Lakers vs. Suns same-game parlay predictions for Nov. 26.
Lakers vs. Suns predictions
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Parlay: Suns moneyline + Durant over 22.5 points + Knecht 1.5 threes (+310)
Suns moneyline (-137): Durant isn’t anywhere near the MVP conversation but he might as well be considering Phoenix’s splits with and without him in the lineup:
- With Durant: 8-1 record, 114.4 points power game
- Without Durant: 1-6 record, 109.0 points per game
KD is officially listed as probable as of 10:30 a.m. ET but keep an eye on his status. Needless to say, if he can’t suit up tonight I wouldn’t recommend making this wager.
Bradley Beal is also set to return for the Suns and that shouldn’t be overlooked, either.
He’s averaging 17.8 PPG and Phoenix is 7-2 when he’s in the lineup.
The Lakers have been streaky this season and are coming off consecutive home losses to the Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets after winning six straight.
But the teams L.A. beat during that win streak were all bottom-feeders (Sixers, Raptors, Grizzlies, Spurs, Pelicans, Jazz) and I expect it to lose again tonight.
SGP legs
Durant over 22.5 points (-127): If Durant wasn’t coming off an injury this line would be a must-hit.
The future Hall of Famer is averaging 27.6 PPG and has cleared this mark in seven of nine games. That includes a pair of 30-point performances against the Lakers.
Will KD be on a minutes restriction? That’s unclear. But if he is I don’t expect it to be severe, especially considering he played 39.6 minutes a night before going down.
Los Angeles is allowing the fourth-most points per game to power forwards, according to Fantasy Pros.
Knecht over 1.5 threes (-195): Knecht is earning his playing time.
This year’s No. 17 overall pick has been a lightning rod from beyond the arc in November, averaging 2.6 threes on 5.5 attempts per game (48.3%).
He’s cashed this bet in five of his last six games and is playing 33.3 minutes a night in that span.
The Suns allow teams to shoot 37.7% from deep, which is the fourth-highest rate in basketball.
Knecht is in great shape to clear this modest line.
Picks made at 10:37 a.m. on 11/26/24.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.