- The Los Angeles Lakers lost Anthony Davis in Game 4 of their series against the Phoenix Suns.
- The Suns are favorites to win the series, partially due to Davis’ expected absence.
- However, they’re far below the Lakers in terms of odds to win the NBA Finals.
LAS VEGAS - Game 4 of the series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns saw the Lakers suffer two major losses.
The first is the obvious loss - the game. The Suns defeated the Lakers to even the series at 2-2.
The second loss is potentially more important - Anthony Davis strained his groin during the game, and is questionable to play in the rest of the series.
LeBron James says he’s ready to carry the load if Davis can’t play - and James has certainly defied gravity in the playoffs before.
“These shoulders were built for a reason. 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.”
- LeBron when asked if he can carry the Lakers if Anthony Davis is out Game 5
(via @MikeAScotto) pic.twitter.com/m8Isw7n8kp
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 30, 2021
The oddsmakers, it seems, have no real idea how to react to the way this series has panned out.
At the time of writing, the Lakers are +130 underdogs to win the series, while the Suns are -150 favorites on the online sportsbooks.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Series Winner
- Los Angeles Lakers +130
- Phoenix Suns -150
Here’s where things get weird, though:
The Lakers are still +600 to win the NBA Finals, while the Suns are +1600 - it seems like the futures markets haven’t adjusted as quickly as the series markets.
NBA Championship Winner Odds
- Brooklyn Nets +190
- Utah Jazz +450
- Milwaukee Bucks +500
- Los Angeles Lakers +600
- L.A. Clippers +700
- Philadelphia 76ers +800
- Phoenix Suns +1600
- Denver Nuggets +3500
- Portland Trail Blazers +3500
- Atlanta Hawks +4500
- Dallas Mavericks +9000
- Boston Celtics +50000
- Memphis Grizzlies +50000
- New York Knicks +50000
- Washington Wizards +50000
The Suns at +1600 seems like a very solid play, given everything that we know about the series right now.
After all, they’re favored to win the series!
Either they shouldn’t be favored to win the series or they shouldn’t be +1600. There’s not a lot of ways that both of those make sense simultaneously.
Lakers star Anthony Davis is unlikely to play in Game 5 vs. Suns on Tuesday due to strained groin, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. There’s optimism about Davis‘ status as series continues and as he is evaluated day-to-day.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 31, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Game 5 Odds
- Los Angeles Lakers +175
- Phoenix Suns -210
With Davis unlikely to play in Game 5, the Suns are huge favorites over the Lakers in Game 5, which lends a bit more credence to the theory that they’re underrated at +1600 on the Championship futures odds boards.
As Game 5 moves closer and closer, this could be the right time for sports bettors to place their wagers for the rest of the series - and indeed, the rest of the postseason.