PREVIEW: The Phoenix Suns arrive in Los Angeles as slim road favorites against a short-handed Lakers squad, with oddsmakers setting Phoenix at a -1 favorite despite both teams missing marquee names. The Suns' ability to defend at a high level has separated them from much of the Western Conference pack, but the absence of Devin Booker and Jalen Green means their offensive upside remains capped. Phoenix ranks 2nd in forcing turnovers while struggling with efficiency in transition play and attacking the rim, sitting 25th and 29th respectively in those categories. Still, Phoenix has shown they can grind out lower-scoring contests, aided by a deeper bench than the injury-riddled Lakers. The Lakers enter with one of the league's most efficient approaches to attacking the rim, ranked first, and maintain an elite free throw rate at 0.319, also tops in the league. Los Angeles remains shorthanded in the backcourt, with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still sidelined, while Jaxson Hayes will also remain unavailable due to a foot injury. However, the Lakers struggle with offensive rebounding, sitting 26th with just a 23.0 percent rate, and their free throw shooting efficiency lags at 76.3 percent, ranking 26th. Phoenix leads the season series 3-1 after winning three of four matchups, including a convincing 113-110 victory at home back in late February.