Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers [TNT | 9:00 PM ET]
Suns: Phoenix was considered all but done in their series with the Lakers after starting the series down 2-0 in their Western Conference Finals clash. However, the Suns won both games at home, and return back to Staples Center all tied up at 2-2. Each team has held serve at home, winning all 4 games thus far. The Suns keep scoring in waves, as we've seen offensive adjustments in the way the Suns attack the paint. F Amar'e Stoudemire had a team high 21 PTS in Game 4, including 12 free throw attempts. Stoudemire attempted 30 free throws in Games 3 and 4 combined. 5 other Suns players scored in double figures in Game 4, including C Channing Frye. Frye finally got out of his shooting slump, as he made 4 three pointers in route to 14 PTS off the bench. F Jared Dudley and G Leandro Barbosa combined to score 25 PTS, including 5 three pointers made. In total, the Suns bench outscored the Lakers bench 54 to 20 in Game 4. Phoenix is 64-32 SU and 58-37-1 ATS overall this season. The Suns are 26-22 SU and 27-21 ATS in road games this season. The Suns are 2-5 as a road underdog between 6.5 and 9 PTS this season. Phoenix is 10-4 ATS in all playoff games this year heading into tonight.
Suns are 10-4 in all playoff games.
Over is 4-0 in the Conference Finals.
Key injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 113
Lakers (-7.5, O/U 218): Los Angeles returns home with their NBA Finals aspirations in doubt. The Lakers lost both playoff games in Phoenix, mostly due to a defense that couldn't contain the explosive Suns. The Lakers allowed the Suns to score 115 and 118 PTS in Phoenix, and G Kobe Bryant is not happy about it. Bryant spoke candidly after Game 4 about what the Lakers needed to do to win this series. Los Angeles really struggled in Phoenix with regards to fouls, as the Suns attempted 41 more free throws than the Lakers in Games 3 and 4 combined. Bryant was brilliant in Game 4, as he scored a game high 38 points, making 15 of his 22 shots including 6 three pointers. F Pau Gasol had his first subpar game, as he only had 15 PTS and 5 rebounds in Game 4. Meanwhile, F Lamar Odom had yet another double double off the bench, scoring 15 PTS and grabbing 10 rebounds. Los Angeles is 67-29 SU and 41-52-3 ATS overall this year. The Lakers are 41-7 SU and 21-26-1 ATS in home games this season. The Lakers are 6-7 ATS as a home favorite between 6.5 and 9 PTS this season.
Lakers are 6-2 ATS against Phoenix at the Staples Center.
Over is 4-0 in Conference Finals.
Key injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 114 (OVER - Total of the Day)
