Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 3) Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks, Point Spread

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How to Watch Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers

Head-to-Head: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

PHO: Who Will Create Plays for Phoenix

The Phoenix Suns were dealt a difficult blow when Chris Paul’s minutes were limited in the second half of Game 2. They now look ahead to how they might cope with his injury status in Game 3.

Paul is undoubtedly the leader of the Suns and their primary playmaker. With him likely limited in his minutes, or out entirely, it’ll be Payne and Booker who need to step up in the shot creation department.

Phoenix assisted on 21 of their 33 Game 2 field goals, so it’s clearly in their team DNA to move the ball. When the plays break down and they need to create in the shot clock, the pressure is on Phoenix’s young players.

Suns Key Player: (C) DeAndre Ayton

Deandre Ayton self-creation >>> pic.twitter.com/FDnxTi9EnN

— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) May 26, 2021

The Phoenix Suns failed be effective defending the paint in Game 2 and most eyes will land on center DeAndre Ayton.

The second-year man is on a bit of an island with Phoenix’s starting lineup, but he needs to be more effective in the paint. He did have a decent night in Game 2 though, contributing 22 points and 10 rebounds in 42 minutes of play.

Ayton just can’t be expected to clean up all of the mess in the paint, but he can continue what he’s doing. Efficiency finishing plays and battling on the glass is still his bread and butter.

LAL: Win the Rebounding Battle

The Los Angeles Lakers know what they need to do on defense, but to ensure their victory they need to continue to dominate the rebounding battle.

In-Game 2 against the Suns, it was Davis and Drummond who led the rebounding effort. The pair combined to collect 22 of the team’s 39 rebounds.

Against Phoenix’s usual one-man interior defense, the paint is where the Lakers can find success.

Lakers Key Player: (F-C) Anthony Davis

All-around game from @AntDavis23 to lift the @Lakers in Game 2! #NBAPlayoffs

✨ 34 PTS
✨ 10 REB
✨ 7 AST
✨ 3 BLK

Game 3 ⏩ Thu, 10 PM ET, TNT pic.twitter.com/AjjYWd3WJd

— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2021

The Los Angeles Lakers were begging Anthony Davis to be more aggressive and he showed his ability in Game 2 against the Suns.

Davis posted 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and a steal in almost 40 minutes of play.

Head coach Frank Vogel will want more of the same from Davis in Game 3. With home-court advantage, the Lakers will want to get off to a fast start. Davis is integral to their offensive plan.