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The first-round series between the second-seeded Phoenix Suns and seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers shifts to a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday, with both teams looking to inch closer to a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals.
There are plenty of storylines heading into Game 5. The biggest, of course, is Anthony Davis' groin injury. The Brow suffered a strained groin early in Game 4 and his status is still up in the air for this contest, with there being some pessimism about his status. This game will prove to be critical for the defending champs as they look to take a 3-2 series on the road. With AD hobbled, the Suns will look to take advantage of playing in front of their home fans as they try to do the unthinkable and take out LeBron James and the Lakers in the very first round.
With that, here are some bold predictions ahead of the massive Lakers vs. Suns showdown in Game 5.
1. LeBron James will score at least 40 points for the first time since Jan. 25
LeBron James has not scored 40 since their Jan. 25 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The King torched his former squad for 46 points on 19-of-26 shooting, including seven 3-pointers, in that monster performance. Since returning from his ankle injury, James' scoring hasn't been at the level we've been accustomed to seeing, as he has yet to surpass 25 points in the six games bridging the regular season and the first four games of this series. The four-time MVP is averaging just 21.8 points through this series, and that's going to need to change if the Lakers are going to be without Anthony Davis for Game 5.
James will need to be aggressive offensively and set the tone for his teammates if the Lakers want to take the 3-2 series lead on the road. LeBron knows he needs to carry the Purple and Gold in Game 5 if they want to pass their first test on their way to back-to-back titles. Thus, the four-time NBA champion could look for his shot more and turn back the clock with a monster scoring night. Even though at 36, James is still capable of filling up the scoreboard.
2. Deandre Ayton will feast inside the paint
The former No. 1 overall pick has been a monster for the Suns through the first four games of this series. The 22-year-old is having his way inside so far for Phoenix, averaging 19.8 points and 13.5 rebounds. With the majority of his looks coming at or near the basket, Ayton is shooting an insane 80.9 percent from the floor. With Anthony Davis likely to miss Game 5, Ayton will have a field day down low.
The big man has benefited tremendously from Devin Booker and Chris Paul setting him up for easy looks. Without Los Angeles' best interior defender and rim protector, Ayton will have a massive evening to help the Suns secure a 3-2 series lead over the defending champions. Without having to worry about AD on defense, Ayton can expend more energy on the other end and be more aggressive in attacking the paint.
3. Chris Paul will be back to his old self
Chris Paul barely looked like his All-Star self through Games 2 and 3 after he suffered a shoulder stinger in the second quarter of their Game 1 victory over the Lakers. Clearly bothered with his injured shoulder, Paul averaged just 6.7 points and 6.3 assists, rarely looking for his shot in the process.
In Game 4, however, Paul looked more comfortable as he notched 18 points and nine assists in 31 minutes. With CP3 looking like he is getting healthier by the day, look for the 11-time All-Star to be more aggressive offensively as the Suns look to take the 3-2 series advantage and put his buddy LeBron on the brink of elimination.
4. Suns will take a 3-2 series lead over Lakers
Despite LeBron James putting up a monster 40-point night, this probably won't be enough for Los Angeles to overcome a balanced attack from the Suns. The Lakers will sorely miss Anthony Davis for this one, as his elite two-way play is going to be too much for the rest of their supporting cast to fill.
Chris Paul looked much healthier in Game 4 and should be a major factor for the Suns in the crucial contest. Ayton is playing arguably the best basketball of his young career, and without Anthony Davis, will likely notch another massive double-double for Phoenix. Everybody knows what Devin Booker is capable of with his elite scoring ability. Cameron Payne is playing with much more confidence with each passing game. Jae Crowder finally found his shooting stroke with a 17-point night in Game 4.
The Suns are in prime position to take control of this series.
