LA Lakers -1.5
The Suns won last game by playing more of a zone-D forcing Lakers to take more outside shots than they wanted to. Lakers still shot 48% from the field which shows me that Suns' defense doesn't really work. The reason the Suns won is b/c they had an edge in turnovers (7 vs 17) and in free-throw attempts (42 vs 20). Heck, they made less FG's than the Lakers (38 to 42) and scored less 3-pointers (5 to 9).
Obviously Phoenix received some home-court calls from the officials in the game and Lakers were uncharacteristically sloppy. I expect Phil to clean these things up, adjust a bit more to the zone defense, and ensure that the team stays more disciplined. Lakers were happy to see Orlando steal one from Boston, and they want to ensure that this series ends as soon as possible.
Keep in mind, Lakers are 8-1 ATS after a straight up loss in the playoffs in the past 2 years and they've beaten Phoenix 11 out of the last 15 times they played each other. Stoudamire won't score 40+ again tonight and I expect Lakers to take a firm hold of the series after today's cover.
The Suns won last game by playing more of a zone-D forcing Lakers to take more outside shots than they wanted to. Lakers still shot 48% from the field which shows me that Suns' defense doesn't really work. The reason the Suns won is b/c they had an edge in turnovers (7 vs 17) and in free-throw attempts (42 vs 20). Heck, they made less FG's than the Lakers (38 to 42) and scored less 3-pointers (5 to 9).
Obviously Phoenix received some home-court calls from the officials in the game and Lakers were uncharacteristically sloppy. I expect Phil to clean these things up, adjust a bit more to the zone defense, and ensure that the team stays more disciplined. Lakers were happy to see Orlando steal one from Boston, and they want to ensure that this series ends as soon as possible.
Keep in mind, Lakers are 8-1 ATS after a straight up loss in the playoffs in the past 2 years and they've beaten Phoenix 11 out of the last 15 times they played each other. Stoudamire won't score 40+ again tonight and I expect Lakers to take a firm hold of the series after today's cover.