Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
Word is out that Chris Paul is hoping to return for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, which has flipped the betting line between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
The Clippers opened as a 1-point home favorite for Thursday night’s game, but after word leaked out of Phoenix and was followed up by a national report from Yahoo! Sports, the line switched with the Suns sitting as 1-point road favorites.
The Suns hold a 2-0 series lead despite missing Paul, who has been out due to health and safety protocols related to COVID-19. Phoenix won and covered the 4-point spread in Game 1, 120-114. It took a Deandre Ayton buzzer-beater to win Game 2 as a 4.5-point favorite, 104-103.
The total is either 219 or 219.5 depending on the sportsbook after opening at 218.5. Game 1 went over the 220 total with Game 2 going under 222.5
The Clippers are dealing with an absence of their own as Kawhi Leonard has yet to return from a knee injury, and it’s likely they won’t have him at all for the rest of the postseason.
Los Angeles took Games 5 and 6 against the Jazz without Leonard and has now covered five of the last six playoff games.
Not only will Paul’s potential return be an upgrade for the Suns, but bettors are awaiting as well. According to FanDuel, the sportsbook has taken more bets on Paul to win Finals MVP than any other player. Paul is +500 to win the award while teammate Devin Booker is +210.
