With a Phoenix Suns Game 5 against the New Orleans Pelicans, a lot of eyes will be on the Suns trying to bounce back. Ahead of the Suns-Pelicans game, we'll be making our Suns Game 5 predictions.

The series has been competitive thus far, as they are tied at 2-2. Suns superstar Devin Booker went down with a hamstring injury in Game 2, which has made this an even series.

Booker is expected to be out 2-3 weeks, which rules him out from a return in this series. Without Booker, the Suns need to rely on everyone stepping up.

Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the league, and defeating the Pelicans will start with him. He has been inconsistent as a scorer in the series, which won't get it done.

Paul took over the game in Game 3, finishing with 28 points and 14 assists. However, he shot 2-8 from the field in Game 4, only getting four points. If Phoenix is going to come away on top, it will take Paul playing at an elite level as a scorer and a playmaker.

With that said, here are three bold predictions for the Suns' Game 5 vs. Pelicans in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

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Suns-Pelicans Game 5 Predictions

3. Cameron Johnson scores 25 points

While Booker being out is a big blow, it is an opportunity for the role players to step up. Cameron Johnson has shown his potential throughout the season and is capable of exploding for a big scoring game.

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This season, Johnson averaged 12.5 points per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from three. He is getting plenty of shots with Booker out but has yet to find his rhythm in the series. Back home in Phoenix for Game 5 is a perfect opportunity for Johnson to get on track.

2. Chris Paul has a bounce-back performance

Although getting production from role players is vital, Paul will need to step up as the star. Booker and Paul have formed one of the best duos in the NBA, but it will all be on Paul in this crucial Game 5.

Paul's scoring has gone through ups and downs in this series, but he should play well in this game. Great players like Paul often bounce back after struggling in the previous game. He can score at all three levels, and his patterned mid-range off a screen is tough for defenses to defend.

Paul is also one of the best passers of all time, which has been on full display throughout the series. He is averaging 12.3 assists per game in the series and just needs to sharpen his scoring to help Phoenix advance to the next round.

1. Suns win Game 5, take 3-2 lead

The Suns finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA at 64-18. Phoenix is used to playing without one of their stars, as Booker and Paul both missed time in the regular season.

This could be a blessing in disguise, as it gave them experience on how to play without them. Booker is the leading scorer for the Suns, and his absence requires everyone else to shoulder the scoring load.

Johnson, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Payne all have the talent to contribute in the scoring department. If they can step up, the Suns have a great chance of taking Game 5.

Game 5 will be essential, as it will give them a 3-2 lead. Going down 3-2 to New Orleans and heading back on the road would be tough to come back from, especially with their superstar out.