There's two ways of looking at Devin Booker's hamstring injury, an injury that will keep out of this game.

The Suns lose their top scorer and emerging superstar, who was at the top of his game.

But with that injury, the pressure now falls completely on the Pelicans to win this home game. I don't believe the Pelicans are ready for that against this elite foe that had the best record in the NBA. The Pelicans have failed to cover six of the last eight times they've played an above .500 opponent.

The Suns have excellent backcourt depth to fill-in for Booker. Phoenix's intensity is sure to be sky-high after being upset in Game 2 and losing Booker. I don't see the youthful Pelicans matching that especially with their lack of big-game, playoff basketball experience.

Chris Paul is going to control the tempo. The Suns will tighten ranks in this first game without Booker to pull out the victory.