NBA Playoff Betting - June 1, 2021 – Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers endured a long stretch of regular season action without Anthony Davis. They may be without their superstar for Game 5 of the Western Conference first round series against the Phoenix Suns after he sustained an injury in the Game 4 loss that evened the series at 2-2. AD’s potential absence also impacted the game’s line. The Lakers played as the favorite in each of the last three games but they are catching 5-points on the opening line for Tuesday’s pivotal contest.  Bookmaker.eu is offering a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1600).

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Phoenix Suns Arena, Phoenix, AS
Opening NBA Odds: Phoenix -5, O/U 209
Lakers at Suns TV Coverage: TNT

Odds Analysis

The line flipped with the status of Davis in question. The Lakers were a 2.5-point favorite in Game 2 in Phoenix and they were laying points in both games in LA. Now they are getting five points on the Game 5 opening line. Of course that all changes if Davis is somehow able to play, but that seems like an unlikely scenario. The total was also impacted with the news. Points have been hard to come by for both sides and the potential absence of Davis and his 21.8 points per game caused the total to plummet. The number opened at 209 and was wagered down to 207. The UNDER is 3-0-1 in the series. It’s safe to say the Suns are feeling good about their chances after stealing back home court advantage. They also got a boost from Chris Paul, who was obviously bothered by a shoulder injury in the team’s two losses.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are well prepared for what’s happening. They played most of the second half without Davis and LeBron James and while they struggled falling from the top half of the conference standings into the play-in tournament, they won’t be surprised by anything. The loss of AD for the second half of Game 4 threw the Lakers off their game but they will make the necessary adjustments if Davis is unable to play, so don’t write off the defending champs just yet. “We’ve been derailed this year, but at the same time we’ve been through it. We’re tailor-made to one type of basketball for when AD is out there. When he wasn’t out there we had to figure out on the fly how we were going to execute offensively,” Kyle Kuzma said.

Kuzma will likely see more action if AD is unable to play. He started the second half of Game 4 in AD’s place and finished with 11 points. And there is good news for the Lakers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could return after missing Game 4 and they can’t shoot the three much worse than they have been. They were just 13 of 40 on Sunday and are an abysmal 29.1 percent from distance for the series. Without his sidekick more pressure is on LeBron to produce. He finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds and is ready for the challenge. “You know, these shoulders are built for a reason. If it takes for me to put some more on top of it, then so be it. Win, lose or draw, I’m ready for the challenge,” he said.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns got what they wanted during their stay in LA. Well, almost. I’m sure they would have liked to win both games, but getting a split is the next best thing. Now the No. 2 seed in the West heads back to the desert for potentially two home games in what is now a best-of-three series. And it looks like Paul has returned to health after a shoulder ailment impacted his play. With CP3 nursing the injury the Suns struggled. And not surprisingly the young squad missed the veteran leader losing both games. Paul played his finest game of the series on Sunday with 18 points, nine assists and no turnovers in 32 minutes. “Everything clicks a little better with 3 (Paul) on the court and 3 being himself,” Jae Crowder said of his teammate.

DeAndre Ayton has been a force in the series and could have more of an impact in Game 5 if Davis isn’t there to protect the paint. Ayton has a double-double in every game after collecting 14 points and 17 rebounds on Sunday. He’s averaging 19.8 points and 13.5 boards for the series.

Bet Lakers at Suns at BookMaker.eu

From all accounts Davis is unlikely to play on Tuesday. He was in obvious pain after crumbling to the floor and his coach and teammates don’t sound optimistic. The Lakers could be trying to fudge the narrative, but I doubt it. At least they have time to adjust meaning a lot more LeBron on Tuesday. And James is still one of the best and will take over for the defending champs helping them get the road win.

NBA Score Prediction: Lakers 107, Suns 101

Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.

- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com