Cappers Buzz

The NBA playoffs continue on Tuesday night with three more games on the schedule.  Below is a look at the late game on TNT.

L.A. LAKERS at PHOENIX (-9½, 207) – Game 2 – 10:35 pm ET (TNT)

The Suns needed a fourth quarter comeback on Sunday in Game 1 and ended winning only 95-87 as a 10½ point favorite. The oddsmakers have now lowered this line as the Lakers fit a solid 60% ATS Game 2 bounce back situation, however my overall power ratings favor Phoenix by 10½ points and my re-scoring model actually had Phoenix winning 107-91 in Game 1 had each team shot their normal percentages from three-point range and from the free throw line.

This is a first round rematch from last year when the Suns faced the Lakers in a #2 versus #7 seed playoff matchup. Phoenix started slowly and trailed 1-3 in the series before dominating Games 5, 6, and 7 to advance to the second round.

Phoenix is a deeper team this season with Amare Stoudamire healthy, while the Lakers are less talented with numerous injuries all year in their frontcourt. The Suns struggles last year and slow start in Game 1 should ensure a more focused effort in Game 2 tonight.

Phoenix is a perfect 4-0 SU in the four head-to-head meetings this season with Kobe Bryant in the lineup, however Phoenix did not win any of those games by more than eight points and the Lakers have a tendency to keep games close versus quality teams.