Suns vs. Lakers: The best player prop bets for Game 3

The Los Angeles Lakers’ title defense has officially begun. Two days after being overwhelmed by the Phoenix Suns in their series opener, L.A. flipped the switch and handed Phoenix a sobering 109-102 loss.

The Lakers led by as many as 15 points early in the third quarter and dominated the Suns on the glass and in transition, where they outscored Phoenix 15-4. Anthony Davis was especially masterful, chipping in 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks after sleepwalking through Game 1. L.A. also received big contributions from Dennis Schroder, who used his blazing speed to score 24 points, and Andre Drummond, who posted 15 points and 12 rebounds. His tenacity set the tone early on as the Lakers showed they wouldn’t be outworked.

The two teams now head to L.A. for Game 3 on Thursday. The Lakers will try to keep rolling, while the Suns will hope for a strong return from Chris Paul, who was limited to just 23 minutes after suffering a stinger in Game 1.

We’ve examined the matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

Kyle Kuzma Over/Under 10.5 points

There are slumps, and then there’s whatever Kyle Kuzma is mired in. The Lakers forward scored just two points combined in Games 1 and 2 despite logging nearly 20 minutes in each contest. "Kuz" attempted just two field goals on Sunday, and four on Tuesday.

It’s all part of a troubling trend for the formerly prolific scorer, who saw his average plummet in last year’s playoffs. Kuzma is certainly capable of getting hot, but his best games tend to come when LeBron and AD are unavailable. Now that both stars are back and close to full strength, he appears content to keep the ball moving and to keep his own offense in check.

Expect another low-scoring night from Kuzma on Thursday as he continues to defer to his high-profile teammates.

Pick: Under 10.5 points (-127)

Speaking of cold streaks…

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over/Under 1.5 3-point field goals made

If anyone can commiserate with Kuzma it’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The 28-year-old shooting guard didn’t appear on the score sheet on Tuesday after missing all four of his 3-point attempts. He’s now gone 1-11 from beyond the arc over his last two games and his confidence is clearly waning.

KCP routinely passed up open looks in the second half of Game 2 and appeared to be playing a game of hot potato every time he touched the ball. He’ll continue to get steady minutes because of his perimeter defense, but don’t expect him to make two 3-pointers or more on Thursday evening.

Pick: Under 1.5 3-point fields goals made (+100)

Dennis Schroder Over/Under 3.5 rebounds

Dennis Schroder was magnificent in Game 2. The veteran point guard expertly probed the defense, found open teammates, and scored seemingly at will. In fact, the only thing he didn’t do was dominate the glass.

Schroder pulled down just three boards, and is averaging 2.0 per game during this series. The reason is simple: The Lakers have plenty of other players to do the dirty work. Andre Drummond, Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, LeBron, and AD are all sensational rebounders who use their size, strength, and agility to hoover up wayward shots. As a team, the Lakers gave up the fourth fewest rebounds to opponents during the regular season, and they’ve been just as stingy during the playoffs.

Dennis will still be a menace again tonight, but it won’t be on the glass.

Pick: Under 3.5 rebounds (-180)