Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers odds and predictions: Who is the favorite?

As we gear up for the NBA playoffs and analyze each series matchup, the Clippers vs. Suns showdown is particularly challenging to predict. The actual talent level of both teams is difficult to ascertain, making it a tough matchup to handicap.

NBA:

In their most recent 10 NBA games, the Suns, who are currently riding a two-game winning streak, have experienced three losses. On the other hand, the Clippers, who secured a victory against the Golden State Warriors in their previous outing, have won 17 of their 32 road games so far this season.

LA Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers, seeded fifth with a 44-38 record, will hit the road to face the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday. Despite the narrow one-game difference in their Western Conference standings, the Suns are heavily favored to win the best-of-seven series.

Unfortunately for the Clippers, they will be without one of their key players, Paul George, at least for the start of the series due to a knee injury. This absence leaves Los Angeles at a disadvantage against the formidable trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul from the Suns.

The Clippers had unfortunately faced their fair share of injuries derailing their playoff aspirations, such as when Kawhi Leonard suffered a torn ACL during the 2021 playoffs. This injury opened the door for the Suns to make a dramatic advancement to the NBA Finals.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are in a favorable position, with Kevin Durant playing and in good health. He has had plenty of time to adapt to his new teammates and has performed well in recent games. With Durant in their lineup, the Suns are considered one of the top contenders to clinch the NBA Finals this season. They have been exceptionally successful, boasting a perfect 8-0 record when Durant has been on the court, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in the league.

Phoenix Suns vs. LA Clippers odds

Both the Suns and Clippers have maintained an average of 113.6 points per game throughout the season. However, scoring has been challenging in terms of splits at Crypto.com Arena. In fact, the Under has prevailed in 27 out of 41 (65.8%) of the Clippers’ home games. Additionally, when the Clippers have been considered the underdogs at home, the Under has hit in 8 out of 10 (80%) games, indicating a trend of lower-scoring contests in such situations.

Phoenix Suns vs. LA Clippers predictions

In the eight games Devin Booker and Kevin Durant shared the court, Booker maintained an impressive scoring average of 28.5 points per game, just slightly above his season average of 27.8. On the other hand, Durant averaged 26 points per game during those matchups. Additionally, Booker’s assist numbers significantly boosted from his overall season average of 5.5 assists per game to 6.9 assists per game when Durant was on the court with him. In contrast, Booker’s teammate Chris Paul struggled to score over 13 points in the last four matchups against Russell Westbrook.

Kawhi Leonard has been showcasing exceptional performance on the court lately, arguably playing some of the best basketball of his career. Since mid-February, Leonard has been averaging an impressive stat line of 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 “stocks” (steals plus blocks), all while shooting at an impressive 54% from the field, 47% from beyond the arc, and 87% from the free-throw line.

While it remains uncertain if the Clippers can pull off an outright upset against the Suns, this series is expected to be competitive. Despite the Suns being a formidable team, they are about to face a significant challenge in the Clippers. Leonard’s two-way playmaking could potentially steal a game or two in the series with his electrifying performance.