In the playoffs, I honestly need a reason to pick against the home team when it's nearly even. I don't see one here. The Clippers easily could have won each of the past four games -- and two were never much in doubt. Coach Ty Lue has been money in elimination games in his career, going 10-2. Devin Booker hasn't shot well from the field since Game 1. Chris Paul also has been off since returning from COVID. Maybe I just really want to see a Game 7 on Friday night.

Since Game 2 the Clippers have arguably been the better team in the series. Their problem -- and the reason they're not leading the series -- has been their inability to execute in the fourth quarter. I expect the Suns to offset their struggles on offense with intense defense and to limit the offensive efficiency of the Clippers role players. Grab the Suns.

Despite Ivica Zubac (knee) being ruled out late, the Clippers managed to pull off a win in Game 5 to keep themselves alive in the playoffs. The Suns couldn’t take advantage of the Clippers’ small starting five with Deandre Ayton not involved much offensively and pulled away from the paint on the defensive end. It might actually be better for the Suns in this game if Zubac plays, but even if he doesn’t, I think Monty Williams makes the necessary adjustments to help the Suns close out the series.