NBA Playoffs: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers Game 3 – Odds, Prediction, and Start time

With each team coming away with a win in Phoenix, the series shifts to LA for game three on Thursday night. The Clippers, without Paul George, did their job by taking one of the two games and gaining home court advantage. Kawhi Leonard has been performing at his usual playoff level, averaging 34.5 points through two games and playing at least 39 minutes in each. After a surprising loss in game one, the Suns bounced back in game two with a 123-109 win behind 38 points from Devin Booker, and they are now looking to regain control of the series in the crucial game three. History shows that game three, especially when the series is tied, is often the most telling game of the series. Since 2013, when the underdog loses game three in this scenario, they have only won three out of 28 series. If the Suns can secure game three, their odds to win the series will skyrocket.

The Suns currently have the shortest odds of any Western Conference team to win the Championship at +550. With Kevin Durant in the lineup, the Suns are 9-1. The duo of KD and Booker has proven to be too much for most teams to handle. Either one of them can go off for 40 points any given night. Alernatively they can both contribute around their season averages and combine for 60+ points . After their disappointing exit from last year’s playoffs, the Suns are determined to go all the way, and they seem to have the right squad for it.

If Monty Williams can get a little more out of his team defensively and some contribution from the bench, the Suns become an incredibly dangerous team moving forward.

The Clippers have the talent and experience to win this series, but they need to start with winning this game. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, Paul George remains out for the entire series. They have done well so far in making up for his absence, but it may catch up to them. The addition of Russell Westbrook has proven to be extremely beneficial and was one of the main factors in LA’s game one win. His experience, leadership, and effort have shown what is needed to have success in the playoffs.

With one of the better and deeper benches in the NBA, the Clippers hold a significant advantage over the Suns. It won’t be easy, but if Kawhi and Westbrook continue to produce, and the rest of the supporting cast steps up, the Clippers can find themselves up 2-1.

Our Prediction:

The Suns and Clippers have similar play styles and are similarly matched talent wise. Without Paul George though, it’ i’s hard to see LA being able to keep up with KD and Booker for much longer. We expect the Suns to win and cover the -2.5 point spread.