Ricky Dimon
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It’s a virtual must-win situation for the Los Angeles Clippers as they face a 2-0 deficit in the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns heading into Thursday night. The good news is that the Clippers are returning home to the Staples Center after losing twice in Phoenix — including in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday. Make sure you check out our picks on the side and total for tonight’s matchup.
For now, let’s worry about the individual aspects of Game 3 and take a look at two of the most intriguing player prop bets.
Make sure you read our same game parlay for Suns vs. Clippers (+1259 odds!)
Paul George over 30.5 points (-114)
George crumbled at the end of Game 2 by missing two late free-throws, opening the door for Phoenix to convert the winning play in the final second on an epic alley-oop inbounds pass from Jae Crowder to Deandre Ayton. You can be sure George will be playing especially inspired basketball on Thursday to make amends for that disaster. More importantly, though, we can simply crunch some numbers and examine hard evidence to suggest that the veteran guard will exceed 30.5 points in Game 3.
Whereas the Suns are getting Chris Paul back, Kawhi Leonard remains out for the Clippers. That means George will have to continue shouldering the scoring load for Los Angeles. He delivered 34 points in Game 1 and finished with a decent 26 on Tuesday despite going a horrendous 1-for-8 from three-point range and 5-for-10 from the free-throw line. Even mediocre shooting would have carried George well into the 30s in Game 2. The 31-year-old is averaging 24.5 field-goal attempts so far this series, and with L.A.’s season on the brink, you have to think George will take matters into his own hands to an even greater extent.
It should also be noted that George averaged more points against the Suns than any other opponent he faced more than once during the regular season (he scored 33 in one game against Houston and 36 in one game against Cleveland).
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers
CREDIT – Mark J. Rebilas (USA TODAY)
Deandre Ayton under 28.5 points + rebounds + assists (-113)
With Paul coming back, it would not be surprising to see Ayton’s role in the offense diminish just a bit. Obviously, Paul’s ability to distribute the basketball will lead to some easy buckets for the big man, but at the same time the all-star point guard will be hoisting up his fair share of shots — thus taking away from Ayton’s attempts. Moreover, the Clippers and Suns played a relatively slow, ugly game on Tuesday, and more of the same could continue. After all, both of these clubs were in the bottom five of the league in pace of play (possessions per game) during the regular season. That in itself generally limits statistics for everyone involved.
Prior to this series (and with Paul on the floor), Ayton scored no more than 15 points in six of seven games. So it’s not like his 20 and 24 points over the past two contests are the norm. It should also be noted that Ayton has recorded one assist or less in nine of 12 playoff appearances.
Make sure you read our first basket best bet for Suns vs. Clippers!
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