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Suns vs Lakers Game 3 Odds, Picks, Lineups and Injury News

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in NBA Basketball

Updated May 27, 2021 · 8:41 AM PDT

Deandre Ayton during a stoppage in play
Deandre Ayton is averaging 21.5 points and 13 rebounds per game versus the Lakers in the 1st Round of the Playoffs. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
  • The Los Angeles Lakers are a 7-point home favorite versus the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 of their 1st Round series on Thursday (May 27th, 10:10 pm ET)
  • LA evened the series on Tuesday with a 109-102 victory, led by Anthony Davis’ 34 points
  • See below for analysis, odds and a betting prediction

Anthony Davis took full responsibility for the Los Angeles Lakers Game 1 loss to the Phoenix Suns, and he vowed things would be different in Game 2. Davis backed up his words with a monster performance on Tuesday, helping LA even its 1st Round series at a game apiece.

Now, the scene shifts to Los Angeles on Thursday (May 27th, 10:10 pm ET), where the Lakers are favored for the third consecutive game in this series.

Suns vs Lakers Odds – Game 3

Team Spread Moneyline at FanDuel Total
Phoenix Suns +7.0 (-110) +245 O 210 (-110)
LA Lakers -7.0 (-110) -320 U 210 (-110)

Odds as of May 26th.

LA opened as a 7-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 210. The Lakers were 1 and 1.5-point chalk respectively in Games 1 and 2, but with Phoenix’s Chris Paul a shell of himself on the court thanks to a shoulder injury, online sportsbooks have made a big adjustment.

Paul Pulled in Game 2

The 11-time All-Star gutted out 23 minutes of action in Game 2, but has been wildly ineffective since going down in the second quarter of Game 1. Paul managed just 6 points on five attempts, and was pulled in the 4th quarter with the game on the line.

Phoenix head coach Monty Williams told the media after Game 2 that Paul “wasn’t able to make the passes he wants” and that he “just couldn’t watch him run like that”. Despite the obvious severity of the injury, the Suns refuse to give an update on Paul’s status, and simply list him as probable for Game 3.

As of Wednesday night, the lone injury listed on either side is to Phoenix’s Abdel Nader, who is out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery.

Suns vs Lakers Projected Starting Lineups

Suns
VS
Lakers
Chris Paul PG Dennis Schroder
Devin Booker SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Mikal Bridges SF LeBron James
Jae Crowder PF Anthony Davis
Deandre Ayton C Andre Drummond

Lakers Rebound On Road

The Lakers used their size to their full advantage in Game 2, led by Davis. AD poured in 34 points and grabbed 10 boards, while fellow big man Andre Drummond also posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

After being dominated on the glass and in the paint in Game 1, LA rebounded to win both of those categories in Game 2. LeBron James added 23 points and 9 assists, while Dennis Schroder splashed 24 points of his own.

Devin Booker led the way for the Suns, notching 31 points, while Deandre Ayton racked up 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ayton has now buried 21-of-24 attempts through two games, while averaging 13 boards.

Cameron Payne, who was ejected in Game 1, picked up the slack at the point for Paul, logging 33 minutes, and contributing 19 points and 7 assists.

Suns Stay Close With or Without Paul

Payne’s strong play in Game 2 should give Suns backers confidence should Paul remain hobbled. Phoenix was +3 with him on the court, and he was instrumental in helping the Suns erase a double-digit second half deficit and nearly steal a second straight victory.

He has a near 4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio this season, and is knocking down 44% of his three-point looks. He’s capable of keeping Phoenix afloat at the point if need be, and with how well Booker and Ayton are playing, getting 7 points with the Suns is a steal.

Also working in Phoenix’s favor is their road prowess. The Suns were an NBA best 24-12 away from home this season, and 6-2 ATS as a road underdog. LA meanwhile, was 21-15 overall at Staples Center, but just 14-23 ATS. Take the points.

Pick: Phoenix Suns +7 (-110)

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