As the NBA season approaches the first quarter mark, some teams have had their chance to show their raw potential. Others have yet to prove how far into the season they will go to bring out some of that competitive drive and aim to move up in the standings.

As most squads have now hit the 20-game mark in the 82-game season, it has become clear which teams have the potential to push forward with better performances and which still have some unhidden character still to be brought out. Tuesday´s showdowns are expected to bring some highly anticipated NBA action into play. 

Phoenix Keeps Suns shining under Paul and Booker

The Suns are second in the Pacific standings and with an impressive 17-3 season record, the team couldn’t look stronger. The team´s recent success is being credited to the combination of the two players who continue to lead this squad forward.

Devin Booker leads the Suns with 23.9 points per game, and Chris Paul is topping the squad with 10.1 assists per outing. Although the squad has played well in their recent matchups, most of the synergy between Booker and Paul was not built overnight.

For Paul, his great NBA career has proven he can deliver all the expertise and knowledge required to stand as that reliable leader on the court. For Booker, making it to the playoffs has become his number one priority. In the quest for a 2nd straight NBA finals, they hope to change the ending when the Suns reach that stage again this season.

In this most anticipated Tuesday night matchup, the Suns will prepare to take on Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. Despite the Warriors´ 18-2 record, the consensus is placing the Suns as the favorite to win at -110 and a tight spread of -2.5. It appears that this Phoenix team is looking just a slight bit stronger as they push for their 18th win of the season under Paul and Booker´s command.

James’ Lakers looking to make a comeback

LeBron James and the Lakers are looking to bring back their A-game performances. If last Sunday’s victory was any indication, then the purple and gold are putting themselves on the correct path.

James led the squad with 33-points, followed by Anthony Davis with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Currently, Davis leads the Lakers in scoring 24.2 points per game. Russel Westbrook has also contributed with 8.7 rebounds per game. With a superb roster including superstars such as James at the helm, the squad might just be heading towards a championship run.

The Lakers are sitting on an even 11-11 season mark and are fourth in the Pacific Division. Their challenge is clear and the fact that they have the talent to overcome it is evident. The Lakers are fifth overall in the league in points scored per game, averaging 111.3.

According to James, after Sunday’s game, the squad is holding up quite well and intends to use some of those negative results as fuel to come out on top in their upcoming games. The Detroit Pistons were witnesses to this Lakers version after falling just short in a 110-106 loss to Los Angeles.

James added that the team continues to prove that they care about results and that they are willing to go the extra mile to correct their mistakes and come away with a win. Tuesday night, the Lakers will get another chance to put these words to the test.

After the 141-137 loss to Sacramento last Friday night, the Lakers are ready for quick revenge. When the LA squad faces the Kings again tonight, the online sportsbooks have them narrowly favored at -112 on a spread of -4. This might just be the Lakers’ chance to turn things around and return to a successful path with a win tonight.