Anthony Davis’ status has Suns as 5-point favorites over Lakers in Game 5
Jun 1, 2021, 9:10 AM | Updated: 9:11 am
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Phoenix Suns got a huge boost from point guard Chris Paul in a Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to tie the first-round playoff series, 2-2.
On the flip side of things, Lakers big man Anthony Davis recorded just six points in 19 minutes of play before exiting with a groin injury near the end of the first half on Sunday. Davis was already on injury watch after entering Game 4 as questionable with a left knee injury.
Paul’s resurgence, Davis’ unlikely availability and Phoenix’s return home for Game 5 has had a great deal of impact on the Suns’ odds to regain a first-round lead Tuesday night, with most oddsmakers spotting Phoenix as five-point favorites.
It’s nearly a 12-point swing from the Game-4 matchup in Los Angeles, according to Odds Shark.
After almost being sat out of Sunday’s contest, Paul led the way for Phoenix with 18 points and nine assists over 32 minutes. He also grabbed three rebounds and a trio of steals, while letting everyone know “he’s back.”
CP3. TOUGH. pic.twitter.com/osvZKOzn4O
— ESPN (@espn) May 30, 2021
As for Davis, Game 4 marked back-to-back outings where the center has been injured.
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Despite a Game 3 which saw Davis record 34 points and 11 rebounds, the center suffered a hyperextended left knee in the first half. He followed it up with the nine-point effort on Sunday.
The Suns capitalized on Davis’ absence early in the second half of Game 4 with a 27-point third quarter. Defensively, Phoenix limited Los Angeles to just 15 points.
The Suns will look to regain the first-round series lead Tuesday night in Phoenix. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station at 7 p.m. for all the action.
