Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers betting tips and predictions for Thursday’s NBA game on TNT. Phoenix looks to go up 3-0 in the regular seasons series against the Clippers as the two teams clash in their final game before the All-Star break. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have been dominant in the two meetings played earlier this season. Defense was a staple in both of those wins as they held LA to just 95 points in each game, scoring 112 and 111 respectively. They’ll look to repeat those performance tonight, in what is probably their last game before they insert Kevin Durant into their line-up.
Chris Paul had a massive game with 19 assists in their last win over Sacramento, he’s looking really motivated since the Suns upgraded their roster as this is probably his last chance of ever winning a championship. Devin Booker is also playing well, the Suns still have a couple of injured players that can help them. Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet both remain out, they too are expected back post All-Star break. Phoenix has covered the spread in 6 of 8 home games.
Los Angeles Clippers
After a huge 134-124 home win over the defending champions, the Clippers will go into this game with a lot of confidence. Especially after they say Kawhi Leonard drop 33 points in that game on a very efficient 12-for-17 from the field and 7-for-9 from three-point land. Paul George also contributed with 20 points and 8 assists, moving forward the Clippers can only get better.
There are also rumours of them potentially adding Russell Westbrook into the mix, how good of an idea that is remains to be seen. In the meantime, they’re looking for their 8th win in 10 road games here, but with a 1-4 SU/ATS record in the last 5 vs the Suns it’ll be anything but easy. Norman Powell is the only player listed on the injury report, if he doesn’t play the offense could suffer as he is one of the elite 6th men in the NBA this season.
It’s a game between two evenly matched squads, I’m going to give the edge to the home team in this one. They’ve been on a roll for a while now and with 2 wins over the Clippers already this season they’ve proven they are the better team. Take Phoenix to cover.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Predictions & Odds
We’ve seen elite defense by the Suns in the two match-ups played this season, and with that strategy yielding results I don’t see a reason why they should step away from it. They’ve held their last 3 of 5 opponents to just 109, 104 and 100 points which is just another proof that they are one of the elite defensive teams when playing at home.
Their defensive rating of 109.9 at Footprint Center ranks 7th in the NBA, they also play the 10th slowest pace in the league in home games. All that should contribute to a lower scoring game here, the Clippers also have a habit of going under vs teams from their own division with 9 of their last 12 such games cashing on that bet. Whoever comes out on top here, will do so playing lock down defense so I’m backing the under.
