Lakers vs. Suns: The best player prop bets for Game 5

Chris Paul has officially rediscovered his mojo.

After suffering through a stinger during the first three games of the series, the 11-time All-Star contributed 18 points, nine assists, and three steals in the Phoenix Suns’ commanding 100-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their first round series.

Paul’s improved range of motion was evident early, as he unleashed his lethal midrange game on offense. Shots that consistently drew tin in Games 2 and 3 ended up finding nothing but net in Sunday afternoon. CP3’s notoriously pesky on ball defense was also a big reason why the Lakers committed 16 turnovers.

"I hadn’t touched a basketball or anything since the last game," Paul said afterwards. "We didn’t have a lot of guys that missed a lot of games this season, so we’re used to playing a certain way. I was just glad I could be out there and help."

Paul’s long-awaited resurgence coincided with the departure of Anthony Davis, who aggravated his groin on a missed layup attempt with under a minute remaining in the first half. At the time, the Lakers were down by just a single point, but the Suns outscored L.A. by 12 in the third quarter as AD watched from the locker room, effectively putting the game out of reach.

An MRI after the game confirmed a groin strain, and Davis is listed as questionable for tonight. There is growing pessimism within the organization that he'll suit up based on the extent of his injury.

We’ve examined the matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

LeBron James Over/Under 26.5 points

Few players have had to shoulder a bigger load over the course of their careers than LeBron James, who came of age dragging his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates kicking and screaming into the playoffs.

He’ll be asked to undertake another tremendous burden tonight, when he likely enters Game 4 without the services of Davis. When asked about assuming a bigger role, LeBron James responded, "These shoulders were built for a reason. So, 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."

A challenge is precisely what he'll get. Frank Vogel limited LeBron to a career-low 33.4 minutes per game during the regular season and has kept him to 37.6 minutes per game in the playoffs, but he'll receive considerably more burn - and more shot opportunities - tonight.

Expect a generous uptick on his series averages of 21.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists as James tries to prevent his Lakers from falling into a daunting 3-2 series hole.

Pick: Over 26.5 points

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Kyle Kuzma Over/Under 11.5 points

To paraphrase Mark Twain, "reports of Kyle Kuzma’s demise were greatly exaggerated." After scoring just two points combined in Games 1 and 2, "Kuz" contributed eight points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists in Game 3, and 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in Game 4. He's only made 24% of his field goal attempts in this series, but to his credit, he somehow seems unfazed by the fact he can't hit the broadside of a barn.

Kuzma started the second half of Game 4 as AD received treatment and, like LeBron, should see a significant increase in his minutes again tonight. It won't always be pretty, but he should get just enough shot attempts to surpass our oddsmakers' projected point total.

Pick: Over 11.5 points (-107)

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Deandre Ayton to record a double-double

Consider this: Deandre Ayton has averaged 19.8 points and 13.5 rebounds per game during this series despite the fact he's often been matched up against one of the game's best interior defenders in Anthony Davis. Just imagine how destructive he'll be while AD watches from the sidelines.

The Lakers still have plenty of frontcourt depth, but none of their remaining players match up well against Ayton. Marc Gasol is too ground-bound, Markieff Morris and Montrezl Harrell are too undersized, and Andre Drummond has looked clueless since joining the Lakers in late March.

Expect another big night for Ayton as he rim rolls his way to an early double-double.

Pick: Yes (-200)