Clippers vs. Suns: Game 5 betting odds, preview, and pick

Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals was a defensive slugfest that saw the Phoenix Suns prevail 84-80. The Suns’ 84 points was the lowest total by a winning team in the NBA all season, as both teams struggled to shoot the ball. Phoenix and L.A.'s combined 9-for-51 shooting from deep also resulted in the fewest made threes in a game all season.

The Clippers managed just 36 points in the first half, and a horrific 14 points in the fourth quarter as they threw up brick after brick. Their elite defenders kept them in the game, but it was a disappointing performance from a team that had one of the league's most efficient offenses entering this postseason.

Devin Booker led the Suns in scoring with 25, but it was Deandre Ayton that was once again the biggest difference-maker. The former first overall pick had 19 points, 22 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks. His ability to roll off picks gives him countless scoring opportunities, and he runs the court like a deer.

Clippers will have to soldier on without Leonard

As we turn the page and look forward to Game 5, the Clippers will almost certainly be without Kawhi Leonard yet again. Leonard’s knee is not yet ready for game action, and the fact he watches games from a suite and not the bench is telling. Without their best player and top scoring threat, the Clippers are not playing as much team basketball as they did throughout the season.

L.A. needs Jackson to be a playmaker

Reggie Jackson is listed as a point guard, but he tallied just one assist in Game 4, and has just 11 assists for the entire series. The Clippers are forcing Paul George to bring the ball up the court, and frankly he is over-dribbling and creating a stagnant offense.

When the Clippers look their best, Terance Mann is dribble penetrating and kicking to get Suns defenders out of position. George can get his own shot, but he is better served as a spot-up shooter or cutting to the basket. Weaving in and out 15 feet from the basket to ultimately take a fadeaway is not serving the Clippers well, and they will need to rely on Mann and potentially Luke Kennard if they are to bounce back in Game 5.

Paul looked more comfortable in his second game back

The Suns haven’t looked much better on offense in Games 3 and 4, but some of that could be attributed to Chris Paul’s return to action, Cameron Payne’s ankle injury, and Devin Booker’s adjustment to wearing a mask. Paul looked more comfortable reading the Clippers' defense in Game 4 than he did in Game 3, and if Payne should be more dynamic in Phoenix again than he was in Los Angeles after having another day to rest.

NBA pick: Suns -5.5, Under 214

With the Suns favored by 5.5 points in Game 5, the odds suggest this series will be coming to an end very soon. Without Leonard, the Clippers' elite defenders are exerting maximum effort containing a potent Suns offense and then relying on George or Jackson to make something happen when they have the ball. It's a strategy that has resulted in too much isolation offense and too few points.

The Suns are getting better looks and have out-assisted the Clippers 95-74. There isn’t any reason to think the Suns won’t continue to get better, while the Clippers will continue to resort to tactics that have largely failed them thus far.

Player Prop Bet: Zubac Over 10.5 Rebounds (-108)

Ivica Zubac played a career-high 40-minutes in Game 4. He worked hard in the paint to try and contain Ayton, and appears to be Ty Lue's best choice at center given Marcus Morris Sr.'s injury and DeMarcus Cousins' inconsistency.

Zubac had 13 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4, and I expect him to have just as many opportunities to clean the glass in Game 5.