Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns prediction for Friday’s game three of the NBA playoffs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. After tying the series 1-1 in Phoenix, the Lakers host the Suns for game three of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs. Follow along for our free prediction and betting tips.
The Lakers to build on their second game win
The Lakers hit back in the second game and tied the series 1-1. It was a hard-fought battle though for Lebron and his teammates as they had to shake off a late comeback by the Suns and show their experience and composure to finish matches when it matters. Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond had double-doubles as they both took control of the rim with 22 rebounds between them.
Dennis Schroder had a great game with 24 points and three assists. In the fourth quarter, Lebron James had a killer three-pointer and two fadeaways when the Suns had cut down the Lakers’ lead. That literally iced the game and the Lakers went on to win the game by seven points.
Chris Paul’s Injury the Suns’ main concern
The main story for the Phoenix Suns apart from their home loss is Chris Paul’s injury to his shoulder. Paul couldn’t have the impact on the game as he usually does with just six points in 22 minutes of game time. Coach Monty Williams couldn’t afford to play the 36-year-old veteran in the fourth quarter when the Suns closed up the gap and went in front by one point.
Devin Booker scored 31 points and made all of his 17 free throws as the 24-year-old shooting guard was the main reason to keep the Suns in the game and make a comeback in the fourth and even lead by one point until 2.30 minutes from the game. Coach Williams will hope his team regroups in game three and win back the all-important home-court advantage.
Key Points
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction
The Lakers will be very pleased that they were able to steal a win in Phoenix before playing the third and fourth games at the Staples Center. Coach Vogel has to fix the issue of his team’s inability to keep a winning margin.
Phoenix, on the other hand, didn’t play badly in game two, they did miss Chris Paul for the majority of the game and it will be key for coach Williams whether Paul will be ready for Thursday’s game.
We think Chris Paul’s injury was key for the Sun’s loss and it seems he can’t recover fully in time for game three. The Lakers will take advantage of their home court and will emerge victorious in this game.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Betting Tips
Spread -5.5 Lakers 1.90 at bet365
Over 210.5 points 1.90 at bet365