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The Los Angeles Lakers head to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center. Tip-off for the game between these two Western Conference teams is set for 10:00 p.m. EST.

The Lakers have been on a winning streak, winning their last three games propelling them to a 5-10 record. During that stretch, they have done so without LeBron James and will have to do so again as he will most likely be out. 

The Suns come into this game with very inconsistent play. Over their last four games they have gone 2-2, losing to the Miami Heat, beating the Golden State Warriors, losing to the Utah Jazz, and then just recently beating the New York Knicks. They now sit at 10-6 on the season and will be looking to string together back-to-back victories.

How Los Angeles Can Win: During the absence of James, it has been Anthony Davis that has stepped up. In three straight games, Davis has now scored over 30 points and secured over 16 rebounds in each. Davis has been a bright spot on an offense struggling to get any production outside of him as they rank 30th in three-point percentage with 31.2%. The Suns have one of the best defenses in the league, so executing everything on offense will be crucial for the Lakers. 

How Phoenix Can Win: Despite all the inconsistencies in being able to stack wins, this Suns team is still very good. They rank eighth in three-points made per game, while on defense allowing the fourth-least three-point shots per game. This is even without Chris Paul in the lineup, as Cameron Payne has stepped up in the last six games Paul has missed. During that six game stretch, Payne has averaged 20.16 points and now gets to face a Lakers defense allowing the fourth-most points in the league to point guards. If the Suns want to win, they will need another great game out of Payne.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns 128, Los Angeles Lakers 116

With the Lakers, they have Patrick Beverly who would be the player to slow down Payne, but Beverly will be on Devin Booker. Payne will have another great game and feast on this Lakers defense. The lack of ability to score is what will lead to a Lakers loss.