NBA Playoffs: Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Preview, Odds, Predictions

The Phoenix Suns are one game down in the series against the LA Clippers and have no room for a mistake right now. The pressure is massive because everyone expected to see the franchise from Arizona swiftly dealing with the team from California. However, that probably won’t be the case, especially because the Clips now have a home-court edge. Russell Westbrook had his show in the final minute of Sunday’s clash, and he needs to be recognized as a big factor, even though many think otherwise. The first event ended 115-110 for the LAC.

Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Preview

LA Clippers (+250) won’t have Paul George until the end of the first series. Now, all the injuries in LA are already boring because this unit didn’t play with their top two stars – PG and Kawhi – 30% of their total games since arriving at the Crypto.com Arena.

A big fortune for the Clips is that Westbrook came during the trade deadline, so they still have lots of star power. Even though the former MVP isn’t playing at some extremely high level, even occasional bursts are enough for him to make a difference. The clutch moment of Sunday’s game was his defense on Booker and, previously, his offensive rebound.

Brody had just nine points, but he rebounded 11 times and had eight assists. Also, we have to mention two steals and three blocks and that five of his boards were on the offensive side of the court. Kawhi Leonard scored 38 buckets, Eric Gordon had 19, while Normal Powell scored 14 off the bench.

The Phoenix Suns (-345) needed more composure in the finish, which is the main reason for their loss. Three players had 20 or more points, with Ayton being close to that number, yet that didn’t help them triumph. That’s because the bench contributed with only 10 buckets. 

Durant scored 29 and added 11 assists and nine boards. Booker had 26, yet he was stopped on the crucial possession, and Torey Craigh dropped 22 buckets. Ayton had 18 and eight boards. 

Chris Paul was short of a triple-double with seven buckets, 11 boards, and 10 dimes. Even though the Suns have massive potential in the attack, we still need to notice that it all comes down to three players, who still don’t have proper chemistry, whatever you may think. Durant missed plenty of regular-season games, and he is still getting to know well with Booker and Paul. 

Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Head to Head Games

The seasonal series were tied 2-2, with the Suns winning both teams in Los Angeles, 112-95 and 111-95. After that, the LAC responded in Arizona, 116-107 and 119-1114, which was their last game of the regular campaign. 

Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Prediction

Unlike Sunday night, the Suns’ bench should be more involved, meaning that they need to contribute at least on the offensive side of the court. The Suns also have to attack Kawhi, and try to force him to spend more energy than usual, thus reducing his impact in the offense. We will go with the hosts here, and their victory. Regarding the spread, which is 8 points, LAC should defend it. 

Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Pick: Phoenix Suns -345