AAA's 10* WEST-CONF G.O.M. (+$33,790 w/ 10* NBA RUN!)
(NBA) Phoenix vs. LA Lakers,
Point Spread: 1.00 | -110.00 LA Lakers (Home)
Result: Win
This is a 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on the LA Lakers.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

- Scheduling: The Suns have lost eight straight and are coming off a 142-119 setback at Sacramento just last night.

- Brutal defensive play: Phoenix was allowed opponents to average 109.3 points per game shoot 48.6 percent, both league worsts in that span.

- LA trending in opposite direction: Lakers just yielded their fewest points this year, limiting Philadelphia to 36.9 percent shooting in Friday's 93-84 victory: "We're starting to play off each other, and guys are just being comfortable in their own skin," guard Lou Williams said. "These past few games we've played with a lot of confidence and played at a better pace."

- Revenge: LA plays with revenge after falling 120-101 in Phoenix in mid November.

- Strong and relevant ATS statistics: note that Phoenix is just 5-10 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more, while LA is 9-7 ATS this season vs. teams with losing records.

The bottom line: We feel the home side should be a much bigger favorite, the LAKERS have improved dramatically over the last few weeks, while the Suns are spiralling down the proverbial crapper due to injury.

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