Cam "The Clutch" Payne Set to Ignite Suns with CP3 Out!


As the Phoenix Suns prepare to face the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference Semifinal series, all eyes are on backup guard Cameron Payne. With veteran point guard Chris Paul out due to a strained left groin, Payne's role will be crucial in helping the Suns bounce back from a 2-0 deficit. The stage is set for Payne to deliver on the big stage, and we're betting on him to go over 9.5 points (-125) in tonight's showdown.


While Payne's season average of 9.8 points per game might not seem too impressive, a deeper dive into his stats reveals a trend that should have Suns fans and bettors alike excited for his potential impact tonight. When playing at home, Payne raises his game, averaging 11.3 points per contest, compared to 8.57 points on the road. In a must-win game, the Suns will need Payne to tap into that home-court magic and provide a much-needed scoring boost.


Furthermore, Payne has proven his ability to step up in clutch moments. During the Suns' 2021 playoff run, he filled in admirably for an injured Chris Paul, notching a career-high 29 points in a Game 2 victory over the LA Clippers during the Western Conference Finals. With Paul Out for Game 3, Payne will have another opportunity to showcase his big-game abilities, making the over on his 9.5 points line a tempting proposition.


Role players often perform better in the friendly confines of their home arena, and Payne has proven to be no exception. In 23 games this season, he's scored more than 9.5 points, providing the Suns with valuable contributions off the bench. While he's had less than 9.5 points in 28 games, it's important to consider the context – his recent performances have been limited by injuries and reduced minutes. With an increased role due to Paul's absence, expect Payne to seize the opportunity and elevate his play.


With the Suns facing a crucial Game 3, it's likely that Payne will be fully engaged and highly motivated to silence any doubters, making the over on his 9.5 points line a compelling choice.


Additionally, the Nuggets' focus will likely be on containing Phoenix's star duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, which could open up scoring opportunities for Payne. The versatility of his unorthodox, herky-jerky playing style could catch the Nuggets' defense off guard, allowing him to rack up points and help the Suns claw their way back into the series.


In summary, with Chris Paul definitely out for Game 3 and the Suns playing in front of their home crowd, Cameron Payne's minutes are set to increase, and his scoring should follow suit. While his recent stats may raise some concerns, it's important to remember that he's performed well in high-pressure situations before and excelled on his home court throughout the season. With all these factors in mind, we're confident in picking the over for Cameron Payne's 9.5 point player prop. So buckle up, Suns fans, and prepare for a thrilling performance from Cam "The Clutch" Payne as he seeks to ignite the Suns' comeback in this must win game.


Follow Jeff on Twitter @ JHSPORTSLINE