Los Angeles at Phoenix

This is a pivotal Game 5 with the series tied 2-2, which will mean an intense defensive game. Both teams play great defense with the Lakers No. 2 in points allowed and No. 8 in field goal defense during the regular season, and the Suns are No. 7 in points surrendered (109.5 per game). The Lakers are 23-13 UNDER the First-Half TOTAL against winning teams, as well as 55-32 UNDER the First-Half TOTAL in the first round of the playoffs. Phoenix is 21-10 UNDER the First-Half TOTAL versus division opponents, including eight straight First-Half UNDERs off an upset win as an underdog. Play the First-Half UNDER.