This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Suns to win (-200) vs. LAC -- BetMGM (2:14 PM CT)
It's still hard for me to believe the Clippers have made it this far without Kawhi Leonard, but I think the road ends here. With Chris Paul back, the Suns are in the driver's seat, and even though Devin Booker is dealing with a broken nose, there's always a chance he carries the team with a monster game. Deandre Ayton is playing extremely well, too. The Clippers have impressed me with how close they can keep things while being down their best player, but I believe they'll ultimately be overwhelmed by Phoenix.
Nick Whalen
Player parlay: Chris Paul to score at least 18 points + the Suns win outright (+145) -- DraftKings (1:47 PM CT)
Going back to the well with another player parlay at the DraftKings Sportsbook. Paul hasn't shot the ball well in his first two games back, but he's taking a ton of shots (41, to be exact) while getting to the free throw line at his normal rate. As he regains comfortability, those shots should start falling, so I like Paul's chances to at least match his 18-point total (on 6-of-22 FG) from Game 4. Even with Kawhi Leonard out, the Clippers have proven to be a difficult out, but the series is back in Phoenix with a Finals berth on the line. The Suns' entire season has been building toward this moment -- I don't think they let it slip.
One more note: Keep an eye on Chris Paul to win Finals MVP, which currently sits at 4/1 at the DraftKings Sportsbook. Devin Booker (+240) may be the Suns' best player at this point, but Paul is still their most important piece. If Phoenix wins it all, Paul will be a major reason why. Unless Booker blows him out of the water, statistically, I think Finals MVP would go to Paul as something of a lifetime achievement award.
Jacob Lebowitz
Ivica Zubac to record a double-double (-125) at PHO -- DraftKings (12:04 PM CT)
Ever since coach Ty Lue switched away from his small-ball lineup, Zubac has been dominant. In Games 2 through 4, Zubac started and received 30+ minutes of action in each game. Zubac also recorded a double-double and averaged 14.0 points and 13.7 rebounds over that three-game stretch. With the series potentially ending tonight, I expect Zubac to continue to receive lots of minutes and plenty of chances to bring in another double-double.
