Suns vs. Lakers Prediction: Game 5 Odds, Picks & Betting
NBA Playoff Picks - Thursday, June 3
Suns vs. Lakers Prediction
As of the time this went to publication, we still had no idea about the status of Anthony Davis for Thursday’s pivotal Game 6, with the Lakers down 3-2 and needing two consecutive victories to advance to the next round and defend their championship.
Regardless of if LeBron James experiences his first opening-round elimination or not, we’re already in uncharted territory. Never before has the King been down 3-2 in the first round, and he finds himself there against a team that just outscored LA by 30 points after firmly running away with Game 4 following AD’s injury.
In short, if Davis doesn’t play, even with LA at home, it’s impossible not to pick against the favored Lakers. With Davis in the game, you’d have to think that even a lesser version of the big man would be enough to get the defending champs to a Game 7.
If nothing else, we know that a first-round exit for the previous year’s victor wouldn’t be unprecedented. It has happened six times in NBA history, including three times in the last 14 years, with the 2015 Spurs, the 2012 Mavericks and 2007 Heat all falling victim early.
Injuries and roster changes played roles with all those teams, but then again, what is this Laker team if not ravaged by bumps and bruises.
But even with that precedent, as long as AD plays, it’s impossible not to go with LeBron.
Suns vs. Lakers Pick
The Pick: Lakers -2 @ -110 (Click to bet)
Expert Suns vs. Lakers Predictions
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