Anytime the Phoenix Suns step into the ring with their other rivals from Los Angeles, a certain energy takes over, as some added excitement always seems to spill off the hardwood and into the stands. Even with big names Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard unable to play, tonight’s game vs the Clippers promises to carry that same essence, certainly making the contest must-see television.
Both these teams still carry some scars thanks to the other following a bruising and competitive Western Conference Finals series last year. The Suns obvious delivered the final blow, putting the Clippers on the mat after six rounds, but LA still showed their teeth, performing admirably without Leonard.
The Clippers still carry that same grit this season, which even helped them take an earlier game against the Suns by a 111-95 score. Both teams played that contest shorthanded, but again, similar circumstances are in play tonight, making team depth the key to winning and consequently shaping the contest into a highly entertaining watch.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns come into this contest favored at a -11.0 point spread. Their moneyline odds are at -625, and the game’s over under currently sits at 222.0 points.
Even without Ayton, Crowder, and backup big man JaVale McGee, the Suns performed well during their previous two games, which oddsmakers are likely taking into consideration with this double-digit spread. With Booker and Paul prepared to play tonight as well, they alone outweigh the Clippers from a talent perspective, who will need to rely on Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson.
The game’s over/under does feel slightly high though. With the Clippers averaging 106.2 points per game over their last five contests, the Suns likely need to blow this one open to hit that over.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Lineups
Even though Ayton, Crowder, and McGee exited protocols last night, Monty wants to give them all some ramp-up time. So with those guys out for a final game, Suns fans get one more look at the Johnson/Smith/Biyombo show.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Cameron Johnson
- C: Jalen Smith
Aside from Leonard and George, the Clippers will also miss Ivica Zubac and Luke Kennard tonight, cutting even further into their starting five and overall rotation.
- PG: Reggie Jackson
- SG: Eric Bledsoe
- SF: Terance Mann
- PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
- C: Serge Ibaka
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
Time for the Suns to take one back. Over the past five games, the Clippers seemed to lose their grip on the ball, averaging the league’s seventh most turnovers with 14.6 per game. Giving up extra possessions resembles the easiest way for a team to lose, and Los Angeles just looks poised to do so against the Suns, who just so happen to force the sixth most turnovers per game in the NBA.
Offensive efficiency has also been the main catalyst behind Phoenix’s stellar season thus far. But even with their guys out recently, Phoenix stayed solid while shooting the ball over their last five contests, making the top-10 in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage.
It seems like the Suns finally figured out how to stay lethal even without their rotation pieces following rough games against the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. Between that, those turnover issues for LA, and while playing the game back on their home floor, Phoenix gets the dub and covers their spread.
Final: Phoenix Suns 112, Los Angeles Clippers 99
Phoenix Suns Up Next
Looking to play with their full starting five for the first time since Christmas Day, the Suns next face off against the Miami Heat on Saturday night.
Even without Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat remain a force out in the East, sitting well with a 24-15 record. However, this game comes as a sixth straight road game for Miami, and with the Suns seeing almost all their star pupils return at the same time, they should enter the bout with far more energy.
Watch for Deandre Ayton to come out guns a-blazing with Miami missing Adebayo and his teammates to feed off that while securing a second straight win at home.