by Rod Pearson
Monday, Apr 17, 2023
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET, Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Where to Watch: TNT
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Clippers +7.5, Suns -7.5; Over/Under: 225.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Clippers +7, Suns -7; Over/Under: 225 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Clippers +7.5, Suns -7.5; Over/Under: 225.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Clippers: 44-38 (3rd place, Pacific Division)
Phoenix Suns: 45-37 (2nd place, Pacific Division)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Clippers: 7-3 last 10
Phoenix Suns: 7-3 last 10
Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Preview and Analysis
The Clippers finished the regular season with a 44-38 record overall and they were 21-20 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 4 game winning streak with wins coming against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Phoenix Suns in their last 2 games. Kawhi Leonard led the team in points in that game with 38 while Eric Gordon was next on the team with 19 points. Russell Westbrook led the team in assists in that game with 8 while Ivica Zubac led the team in rebounds with 15. They were 44.1% from the field, 32.3% from 3-point range, and 79.3% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 113.1 PPG against them. The Clippers have an ATS record of 41-42 this season and their O/U record is 40-42-1.
The Suns finished the regular season with a 45-37 record overall and they were 28-13 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 3 game losing streak with losses coming against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers in their last 2 games. Kevin Durant led the team in points in that game with 27 while Devin Booker was next on the team with 26 points. Kevin Durant led the team in assists in that game with 11 while Chris Paul led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 47.6% from the field, 31.6% from 3-point range, and 78.8% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 111.6 PPG against them. The Suns have an ATS record of 42-39-2 this season and their O/U record is 42-38-3.
Clippers vs Suns Prediction
The current betting odds have the Suns listed as a 7.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. This is game 2 of a 7-game series between the 4th seeded Suns and the 5th seeded Clippers for the 1st round of the playoffs in the NBA Western Conference. The Suns dropped the 1st game of this series with a 5 point loss at home and the Clippers were missing Paul George in that game but they still put on a very good performance to take a series lead. The Suns have been a really strong team ever since picking up Durant though and they are not just going to lay down and die here down 1-0 in the series. They will be coming for their revenge in this game and trying to even up the series here with everything they have as they know they can't go into LA down 2-0 in the series. Now that the 1st playoff game nerves are gone with Durant and his new team, expect them to bounce back in a big way on their home court here, sending a message to Kawhi and the Clippers about how this series is far from over. The best way to place a bet here is on the Suns to cover the spread in this game.
Clippers Suns Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (10:00 pm ET start time) is Suns 124 Clippers 113.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Clippers: 5-11 ATS after a division game. 17-24 ATS after playing a road game. 19-8 OVER off an upset win over a division rival as an underdog of 6 or more. 13-6 OVER as a road underdog.
Phoenix Suns: 21-11 ATS after a loss by 6 points or less. 34-17 ATS off a upset loss as a favorite. 27-18 OVER when the total is 220 to 229.5. 11-4 OVER vs. division opponents.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Clippers: P. George (SF) Mid April - Knee.
Phoenix Suns: C. Payne (PG) Ques Tues - Back.
Notable Quotes
“They're going to make a run at home, we understood that. We built a lead, they made a run, and now we've got to keep our composure and be ready to fight back. I thought everyone who played tonight was great.” - Tyronn Lue after his team’s win against the Suns in their game on Sunday, game 1 of this series.
“We definitely would like to have better starts but sometimes that happens. It is all about how you bounce back from it.” - Kevin Durant after their loss against the Clippers in their game on Sunday, game 1 of this series.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Clippers
PG Russell Westbrook
SG Eric Gordon
SF Kawhi Leonard
PF Nicolas Batum
C Ivica Zubac
Phoenix Suns
PG Chris Paul
SG Devin Booker
SF Josh Okogie
PF Kevin Durant
C Deandre Ayton
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Clippers
PPG: P. George (23.8)
APG: R. Westbrook (7.5)
Reb/G: I. Zubac (9.9)
Phoenix Suns
PPG: K. Durant (29.1)
APG: C. Paul (8.9)
Reb/G: D. Ayton (10)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Clippers: Tyronn Lue (4th season)
Phoenix Suns: Monty Williams (4th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
