Los Angeles Lakers (45-32) vs. Phoenix Suns (53-23)
June 1, 2021 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Phoenix Suns -5.5; Over/Under: -207
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns meet Tuesday in game five of the NBA West Playoffs at the Ball Arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers look for a bounce back performance to take a 3-2 series lead. The Los Angeles Lakers are averaging 100 points on 43 percent shooting and allowing 99 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 21.8 points and eight rebounds while LeBron James is averaging 21.8 points and 8.5 assists. Dennis Schroder is the third double-digit scorer and Andre Drummond is grabbing 10.5 rebounds. The Los Angeles Lakers are shooting 29.1 percent from beyond the arc and 77.3 percent from the free throw line. The Los Angeles Lakers are allowing 32.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.
The Phoenix Suns have a chance to take a shocking 3-2 series lead with a victory. The Phoenix Suns are averaging 99 points on 44.8 percent shooting and allowing 100 points on 43 percent shooting. Devin Booker is averaging 25.3 points and 5.5 assists while Deandre Ayton is averaging 19.8 points and 13.5 rebounds. Cameron Payne is the third double-digit scorer and Jae Crowder is grabbing five rebounds. The Phoenix Suns are shooting 32.2 percent from beyond the arc and 84 percent from the free throw line. The Phoenix Suns are allowing 29.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.5 rebounds per game.
The Lakers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games and 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall. The Suns are 30-14 ATS in their last 44 home games and 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The under is 4-0-1 in Lakers last 5 overall. The under is 3-0-1 in Suns last 4 overall. The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Phoenix.
The Los Angeles Lakers in the underdog role is always worth a look and you never want to make a habit of betting against LeBron in big game situations. However, the Lakers are a team that lacks quality depth and now Anthony Davis is doubtful. LeBron has also been battling nagging injuries and doesn’t look like his usual self at times. The Phoenix Suns are a young club gaining confidence and Chris Paul played well in game four. While you can never count out LeBron, I believe if AD does not return to this series, the Suns will advance to the second round. I’m going to lay the chalk with the home team.
