NBA: LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Preview, Odds, Prediction

The LA Clippers head to Phoenix to face the Suns and take their second spot in the Western Conference. The Clips are right behind Monty Williams’ team, and they intend to change the current order in the standings. Despite losing the latest match against the Pelicans, LAC looks pretty good in recent days, plus they signed DeMarcus Cousins until the end of the season. Boogey looked good in the last match, we need to tell you that. Meanwhile, the Phoenix is red-hot, as usual, some might say. All those who predicted their fall after a strong start are silent now, and the Suns are determined to keep it that way.

Preview

LA Clippers (43-20, +125) are overwhelmed with injuries, but they simply aren’t slowing down. Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Beverly, Serge Ibaka, all these guys are out for some time, yet the Clips aren’t losing the pace with the top teams in the league. Right now, they have 11 wins in the past 13 matches, which is superb, having in mind the amount of trouble Tyronn Lue’s crew faces.

The Clippers did lose in New Orleans against the Pels, 120-103 two days ago, but that can be justified with all the problems. Additionally, Paul George had a bad day, shooting just 3-for-11 in 25 minutes, and hitting one three in six attempts, all that for nine points.

Terance Man scored 17 points, Marcus Morris Senior 15, while Boogey dropped 16 off the bench with 11 boards. It seems that the contract he signed with the LAC until the end of the year had a strong impact on him.

Phoenix Suns (43-18, -150) defeated the surging New York Knicks at Madison, 118-110, snapping their nine-game winning streak. Even though hosts opened the game better, the Suns rallied to triumph at one of the most hostile courts in the NBA at the moment.

The difference in fast-break points, 16-4, and Chris Paul were what provided the edge for the guests in this event. Each time when the Suns face difficulty, Paul is there to jump in and take matters into his hands.

Against the Knicks, CP3 dropped 20 dimes, with six assists and five boards, 8-for-12 shooting. Booker was relentless in the attack with 33 points, while Mikal Bridges scored 20 in 41 minutes. Two Camerons, Johnson, and Payne had 11 buckets off the bench.

Head to Head Games

In both previous matches between these divisional rivals, the Clippers had more success. The first one took place on January 3 in Phoenix, and the Clips won, 112-107. The second on April 8 was at the Staples Center, and the hosts solved that one in their favor as well, 113-103.

Prediction

The injuries Clippers are dealing with are just too much for them right now. Without their top two defenders, Leonard and Ibaka, plus another defensive master, Beverly, it would be tough for them to compete with the Suns, who are very gifted when it comes to scoring. Williams dispersed the offensive game plan, even though Booker takes the majority of the shots. So, for tonight’s game, we would go with Phoenix’s win. The odds are solid, and we believe that the profit/risk ratio is satisfying in this case.