Does Chris Paul Return in Game 3 Affect Suns Betting Odds?

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul is listed as probable for Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers after missing the first two games of the series due to testing positive for COVID-19, which put him in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

The Suns, already up 2-0 on the Clippers, will easily benefit from having one of the best floor generals of all time out there with them, as Paul can rack up high assist numbers without turning the ball over much and can get you a bucket with ease. Once he finds his spot in the mid-range, it’s pretty much automatic.

The Clippers will also be missing out on Kawhi Leonard, as Leonard is dealing with an ACL injury, although the severity is not known at this time.

It should go without saying, though, that having Paul out there, regardless of any circumstance, will only improve a team’s chances of winning a basketball game.

Paul particularly has great synergy with DeAndre Ayton, as Ayton shot nearly 62 percent from the field when getting passes from him.

Booker’s Playmaking Duties

While Devin Booker has proven in the past that he can take on a role as a lead playmaker, having CP3 out, there will take a significant load off of Booker, which will allow Booker to focus on what he does best, and that is scoring the rock.

Booker can also continue to serve as a beneficiary of Paul’s playmaking prowess, as Booker has converted about 59 percent of the shots he attempted off of Paul’s feeds.

When you look at the Clippers as a whole, they’re still very dangerous. Paul George has proven he can wipe away the label of “Pandemic P” and other unflattering labels that have come his way and perform on the biggest stage. That’s how the Clippers were able to finish off the Utah Jazz despite being without Leonard.

The Clippers also still have Reggie Jackson and Terrance Mann, as both guys have stepped up big time this postseason. They also still boast vets DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Morris, Patrick Beverley, and Nicolas Batum, as all guys can bring a great mix of shooting and defense.

However, the Suns have plenty of depth as well, in addition to having all of their stars healthy. Mikal Bridges has taken the next step of his career, and Jae Crowder is really settling in as their prototypical 3-and-D guy.

Paul knows how to maximize the talents of the guys from 1 to 15 on his team. That’s how the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to be one of the better teams in the West last season despite having a weaker roster in comparison to other teams in the conference.

Paul has been to the playoffs in basically every season of his career, so he knows how to respond when the games get tight. Having that presence out there will help the Suns execute plays when they need it most, and the thing is, the 36-year-old point guard is far from washed up.

If you’re planning on betting for this game, go with the Suns with full confidence!