In all seriousness, what odds would you need to bet the Suns for this game? 15:1? I wouldn't take them at 20:1.
Now, imagine that we could fast-forward to Game 6 without having to endure Game 5. The Suns would be just as angry and have just as much of a chip on their shoulder. The Spurs would be up 3-2 at home, so they'd still be facing all of the pressure. And the Suns would have had a couple of extra days to methodically, ruthlessly plan for their revenge.
Wouldn't you rather bet on that game? Heck, I'd take the Suns at even money there, gladly.
But go through the farce that Game 5 will be, and almost all of that Game 6 edge is lost. Thursday is a travel day, so the Suns won't even be able to do much planning with their "new" roster for Game 6. They'll be scrambling to re-adjust from the suspensions and distractions will be everywhere.
Odds are not good. Losing your most dominant player, who is probably one of the best players in the league and losing your most versitile player hurts.
Having said that, I don't think that the game is lost. We still have Nash- who is NBA's most valuable player, regardless of what any "experts" may say; Marion- an all star player; Barbosa- 6th man; Kurt Thomas- probably the toughest low-post defender in the league; and Raja Bell- an outstanding defender and a decent offensive player. These guys will have to carry the team, and if another player or two step up- Jones, Rose, or whoever else, can step up a little bit- I think that they can pull it off.
They will be pissed off, seeking revenge, they'll be playing at home in front of thousands of fans who will be just as pissed off.
Sure, odd are probably 25 to 1- but just imagine what will happen if they win, or at least have a good game.
These guys are professional athletes in good shape. They will be tired, but Stoudemire and Diaw will be fresh and pissed off in game 6.
I just don't think that throwing in the towel is the answer. They need to come out and play as hard as they can. They need to put up a good fight for Amare, Boris, and all the fans out there.