Few predicted we’d see the Phoenix Suns in the Finals versus the Milwaukee Bucks, so we’re in new territory in predicting the Finals result. Most sportsbooks have Phoenix favored, but the lines and odds fluctuate depending on the reports on the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The latest reports have Giannis playing in Game 1, so now the spread is tightening a bit for this first game.

Aside from this health issue, much will depend on Chris Paul. He has a history for getting hurt at the worst time, so anything can happen in this series.

It’s frankly one of the more interesting matchups in years given all the uncertainty, so enjoy the show and we’ll see who pulls it out.

Paul George has taken a lot of grief for his postseason performances, and many were ready to write off the Clippers once Kawhi Leonard injured his knee. But George had a huge game 5 on the road against the Jazz and then contributed in the game 6 victory as well.

Now the Clippers will be facing the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals, and the Suns have their own issues with Chris Paul being out in game 1 due to Covid restrictions. The Clippers won’t have Leonard as well, so it will fall on Paul George’s shoulders again to step up.

Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns swept the Denver Nuggets behind another spectacular game by Chris Paul. Paul has had a string of playoff disappointments, so it’s nice to see him lead the Suns to the conference finals. But there’s still a way to go, so there’s a lot of overreaction going on.

Naturally, sports media can’t help but get into conversations about the all-time best point guards. Chris Paul is certainly up there, but it’s a pretty tough list to crack with Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Isaiah Thomas, John Stockton and Steph Curry to deal with. And what about Jason Kidd or Steve Nash?

That said, Paul has an opportunity here to make an epic run at a point in his career when many thought he was finished as an elite player. His ability to slash through a defense and nail mid-range jumpers is very impressive, and he’s leading a group of young players who seem eager to follow. It’s been fun to watch.

Yes, it’s a slow news time in the NBA, but this story is kind of interesting. The “Polish Hammer” is outspoken, and he had a lot to say when asked about Robin Lopez and his arrival in Phoenix.

Marcin said that on his first day in Phoenix he asked Robin if practice started on the court or with a video session. Robin told Marcin that he didn’t know so Gortat went to the gym while Lopez went to watch video. According to Gortat, a coach came to get him and asked why he was late and Marcin said that he had asked Robin and was told he didn’t know where practice was starting. The coach said everyone knew where they were supposed to be. Marcin took that as a sign of where things stood between himself and Lopez.

Gortat went on to talk about the opportunity that Lopez had to earn and keep the starting job.

“This guy (Lopez) had such a big chance, such a big opportunity, to play in the best league. When I was Orlando, playing behind Dwight (Howard), I was praying to get a chance to play and he (Lopez) has had this chance for two years and he didn’t take.

So I thought, when you don’t want it, there will be 50 persons behind you, waiting to take this chance, and then I came by and I took (it). Sorry, that’s business, that’s life.”

After joining the Suns, he averaged 13.0 points (on 56% shooting) to go along with 9.3 rebounds in just under 30 minutes of playing time. It doesn’t appear that he’ll be giving up the starting spot in Phoenix anytime soon.

There was a wild one late last night in Los Angeles. Check out the highlights:

The loss puts the Suns at 35-34, three games behind Memphis for the #8 seed in the West, but they’re just two games behind the Grizzlies in the loss column. Unfortunately, the Suns don’t face the Grizzlies down the stretch, so it will be tough to catch them. It looks like Steve Nash and Co. will miss the playoffs this year.