NBA Basketball Odds: Phoenix at L.A. Lakers

The Lakers try to slow down the hot Phoenix offense. (AP Images)

The Pacific Division-leading Phoenix Suns look to win their fifth straight game tonight, when they’ll face the defending champion L.A. Lakers for the first time this season.

NBA basketball betting odds have the Lakers currently listed as 7.5-point home favorites.

After missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2004, the Suns are off to their best start since opening 11-1 in 1980-81. Phoenix has scored 100 or more points in each of its first nine games for the first time since 1990-91. The Suns lead the NBA in points per game this season with 112.3.

Steve Nash averaged 7.5 points and 9.5 assists in two games versus the Lakers last season before missing the final two matchups with a sprained right ankle.

Andrew Bynum is expected back in the lineup tonight at Staples Center after missing two games with a strained right elbow suffered in a 103-102 overtime victory at Houston on Nov. 4.

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