Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers Game 1 NBA Playoffs 2010 Picks & Predictions: Two teams with banged up superstars will meet in this year’s Western Conference Finals, as the (0-0) Los Angeles Lakers [-6½] and the (0-0) Phoenix Suns [+6½] renew their rivalry. Game 1 of this best-of-seven series is scheduled to get underway tonight at 9:10 PM ET from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and it’ll be broadcasted live on TNT Sports.
For the visiting Suns, point guard Steve Nash will be playing with an injury above his right eye that required 
stitches, after taking an inadvertent elbow from the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan. According to NBA Playoffs 2010 Picks & Predictions experts, the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers are expected to combine and score a total of 210½ points in Game 1’s OVER/UNDER.
“We certainly don't want to play into their hands and for it to be a slow methodical game where their size can be a factor,” Nash said. “We want to be able to push the ball down the court and create openings and opportunities with our quickness and ball movement.”
For the Lakers, it has been reported that Kobe Bryant hasn’t touched a basketball since the Lakers completed the sweep of the Utah Jazz last Tuesday night. The reigning NBA Finals MVP is nursing a gimpy ankle and an arthritic finger.
“It's all part of the game, every part of it,” Bryant said. “I love a long layoff. Everybody on our team is pretty much banged up, so it's good to get rest and get ready for what's in front of you.”
Another thing playing a role in this series is the Purple and Gold’s motivation to seek revenge against Phoenix. As you may recall, the Suns were responsible for ending the Lakers’ playoff runs in 2006 and 2007. “What do you think? You already know,” Bryant said, staring through his questioner. But the Black Mamba isn’t the only one with a long memory.
“I don't forget much,” said versatile Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. And if that weren’t enough, how about some psychological warfare from the Zen Master, himself?
“Yeah, because you can’t carry the ball like he does in practice,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of Nash’s dribbling habits. “You can’t pick that ball up and run with it. … As far as the calls that he gets on the floor, I think a lot of the referees are treating him like a superstar. He gets to the line easy and often.”
Bet on Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers Game 1 NBA Playoffs 2010 Picks & Predictions at online sportsbook BetUS.com and receive up to 145% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
