After a tumultuous four games, the Los Angeles Clippers are back on the road to take on the Phoenix Suns in a do-or-die game five for the Clippers.
Despite all of the injuries for the Clippers, Russell Westbrook has resuscitated his career without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the lineup for the last two games.
On the Phoenix side of things, Devin Booker has been an absolute alpha in every sense of the word, and his level of play has elevated the rest of the Suns to match his energy.
The efforts of Chris Paul to close game four was the difference in the game, as the game felt more like a coin flip until Paul found a way to turn it on.
For better or worse, Leonard is still up in the air for this contest and there is no clear indication of what is wrong beyond a sprained knee.
It comes as no surprise that Suns find themselves favored in this game over the Clippers on their home court at -7.5.
The one man show from Russell Westbrook
After the worst season of his career, Russell Westbrook has found a way to prove his value on the court and why teams still trade for him this late in his career.
It really is a best case scenario for him to be more of a game’s quarterback with the ball a majority of the time. It hasn’t translated to wins yet, but it is the best chance the Clippers have while they are undermanned.
Not many other players on the roster have stepped up in any notable way besides Westbrook and maybe Norman Powell.
Powell is probably the second-best scoring option, and he has made a little bit of a mark in this series as well.
A complete takeover by Booker and Paul
At this point of his career, Kevin Durant might still need a little bit more time to warm up to be back in the conversation as one of the best players of the world.
It doesn’t matter though, as Booker was able to lead the way for most of the game until Paul was able to take over in the fourth quarter.
As far as being a title favorite, the Suns still have some kinks they need to work out in their offense, but they are figuring it all out while still being up 3-1 in an opening series.
It just goes to show how scary this team can be.
Clippers @ Suns Betting Prediction
Elimination games are never easy, despite how much the home team can be favored in these situations.
The Clippers have a puncher’s chance at winning this game, and they are going to have a few things break in their favor in order to make it all happen.
Westbrook will breakout for another big game in this one, but the Suns will wrap up this series on their home floor once and for all at -7.5.
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