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Tonight on ESPN, your 35-37 Los Angeles Lakers will host the 38-33 Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.

Can The Lake Show steal a win against the (slightly) favored Suns tonight, given that the Suns are missing two starters while LA is missing just one?

We weigh in with our expert predictions.

1. With Kevin Durant sidelined, who is the most dangerous Suns player?

All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker is Phoenix's most lethal option, non-Kevin Durant variety. Given how Jarred Vanderbilt has had success against big guards in the past for LA, I'm assuming head coach Darvin Ham will give him plenty of time on Booker, in addition to Malik Beasley and perhaps Troy Brown Jr.

2. Which Laker will benefit the most from the absence of Deandre Ayton?

Without their starry frontcourt, the Suns' interior presence is significantly depreciated. Starting power forward Vanderbilt should look to score a bit more on lobs and put-backs. Anthony Davis will of course be able to score at will now in the paint, too.

3. Will LA beat the spread/win?

The spread is just a point now, meaning that taking LA to cover is essentially taking LA to win. Given that the Suns are considerably more vulnerable without Kevin Durant or Deandre Ayton, and that the Lakers are hungrier and playing at home, I like their chances.

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