by Rod Pearson
Sunday, Apr 23, 2023
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET, Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Where to Watch: TNT
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Clippers +12, Suns -12; Over/Under: 224.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Clippers +12, Suns -12; Over/Under: 224.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Clippers +12.5, Suns -12.5; Over/Under: 224.5 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: 5-5 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 3 game losing streak with all 3 losses coming against the Phoenix Suns in their last 3 games. In game 4, Russell Westbrook led the team in points in that game with 37 while Norman Powell was next on the team with 14 points. Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann each led the team in assists in that game with 4 while Ivica Zubac led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 43.5% from the field, 32.4% from 3-point range, and 80% 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 42-44 this season and their O/U record is 42-43-1.
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 winning streak with all 3 wins coming against the LA Clippers in their last 3 games. Kevin Durant led the team in points in that game with 31 while Devin Booker was next on the team with 30 points. Chris Paul led the team in assists in that game with 9 while Deandre Ayton led the team in rebounds with 13. They were 48.8% from the field, 40.9% from 3-point range, and 77.8% 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 44-40-2 this season and their O/U record is 44-39-3.
Clippers vs Suns Prediction
The current betting odds have the Suns listed as a 12 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. This is game 5 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 are entering this game with a 3-1 series lead after taking both road games in LA and they have now won 3 games in a row in this series after losing the 1st game at home. The Clippers were missing Kawhi in both of those home games and they really couldn't do much against the Suns as the Suns were the better team in both games. With Kawhi in the lineup, the Clippers would have a much better shot as this would be a series but without him, the Clippers don't stand a chance and will get eliminated here in Phoenix after another strong performance by the home team. The Suns were hot coming into the playoffs and they are only getting better in each game as Durant and his new teammates learn to play with each other more in the games. The Suns will continue to roll through the Clippers here like they have done in the last 3 games. 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 25, 2023 (10:00 pm ET start time) is Suns 127 Clippers 110.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Clippers: 5-15 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more. 9-27 ATS when playing with 2 days rest. 14-5 OVER revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more. 6-1 OVER off 3 consecutive losses against division rivals.
Phoenix Suns: 9-2 ATS after 3 consecutive division games. 52-28 ATS off a road win. 29-19 OVER when the total is 220 to 229.5. 15-3 OVER when attempting to close out a playoff series.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Clippers: K. Leonard (SF) Out indefinitely - Knee. P. George (SF) Early May - Knee.
Phoenix Suns: C. Payne (PG) Out Indefinitely - Back.
Notable Quotes
“We make no excuses around here. We just got to make sure we rally around each other, keep competing and leave it on the floor.” - Russell Westbrook after their loss against the Suns in their game on Saturday, game 4 of this series.
“It's definitely good when we all three are aggressive. We all did a solid job. We're still growing and still trying to learn each other.” - Kevin Durant after their win against the Clippers in their game on Saturday, game 4 of this series.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Clippers
PG Russell Westbrook
SG Eric Gordon
SF Norman Powell
PF Nicolas Batum
C Ivica Zubac
Phoenix Suns
PG Chris Paul
SG Devin Booker
SF Kevin Durant
PF Torrey Craig
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.
