How Many Points Will Chris Paul Score in His Return?

After missing the first two games of the Western Conference Finals due to testing positive for COVID-19, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul is expected to return to the lineup in Game 3 on Thursday. 

With Phoenix already up 2-0 in the series and a major favorite at -750 odds on WynnBET to advance to the NBA Finals, Paul’s return could spell the end of the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff run. 

The Clippers are still without Kawhi Leonard, who is dealing with a knee sprain, and Phoenix is a 1.5-point road favorite in Game 3. Paul, who had a masterful performance in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, will look to build on that performance in his return tonight. 

WynnBET has Paul’s player prop for points on Thursday set at 17.5 with the under (-120) as the favorite to the over (-104). This may seem a little low given that Paul scored 37 points in his last game against Denver and averaged 25.5 points per game in the series, but his usage for tonight has yet to be determined. 

Cameron Payne has filled in admirably for Paul, and he dropped 29 points in Game 2 to help lead Phoenix to another win. Since Paul missed time with COVID-19, it is possible his conditioning isn’t exactly where he wants it, and with Payne playing so well, the Suns may be content to cut back on Paul’s minutes in Game 3. 

It’s been a wild postseason for CP3, as he dealt with a shoulder injury in the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he looked much better towards the end of the Denver series. 

Paul’s shot attempts were way up in the Western Conference semifinals against Denver, and given Payne’s success against the Clippers’ defense, I’d expect Paul to shine in his return. 

The usage is a concern, but since the over (-104) is the better value, I’m trusting Paul to continue his elite play that has led the Suns to a Conference Finals berth.