ANALYSIS: It doesn't matter whether it's the Crypto.com Arena or Staples Center era, the Warriors' stars have had some shooting slumps in this building. Downgrading Golden State's ability to light it up from deep and expecting Anthony Davis to play -- which is huge for LA's defense -- has me pointed to a late-series under.
ANALYSIS: The power rating on the Suns factors in the incredible collection of top-end talent, but I think there is an edge in fading them based on their experience playing together. These pressure-packed moments in the playoffs sometimes require familiarity, a doing-not-thinking kind of muscle memory that I think Phoenix lacks in this moment. Factor in the Chris Paul injury and the overall lack of depth for the Suns and I think an excellent Denver team can sense an opportunity to end this series quickly.
ANALYSIS: The first time this series went to the Chase Center, part of Golden State's game plan was to slow things down and make the Kings play winning basketball -- on both ends in -- a half-court game. Down 0-2, that was a must-win game, and I think the same focus and urgency returns with a chance to close the series at home. Plus, Sacramento's three-point shooting has cooled and if the game is decided late we won't see either team want to extend the game.
ANALYSIS: The injury to Teuvo Teräväinen has taken yet another key offensive piece out of the lineup for a Hurricanes side that has been with Andrei Svechnikov since March and got less than a dozen games from Max Pacioretty before he suffered a season-ending injury. Carolina's style already is set up to limit opposing opportunities, and now they'll have to lean on that even more with Turbo out. Every game in this series is now a race to 3, and I think we'll see plenty of unders.
ANALYSIS: Knicks on Friday night, MSG is the place to be. The atmosphere is going to be electric and I think it's going to set up for one of the most significant home court advantages we'll see in the entire first round. Anything under a bucket is green light go, especially with the urgency of a pivotal Game 3.