Phoenix Looks To Bounce Back | Clippers vs Suns | OSB
LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns: Game 2
By Sam Batz
The NBA Playoffs continue on Wednesday, April 18th with the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of their First Round series (10:00 PM EST, TNT). Los Angeles beat Phoenix 115-110 on Sunday in a surprising Game 1 victory. It was technically an upset victory according to the sports books, but the Clippers did not look like underdogs. Instead, LA looked like a competent opponent who could take this series to 7 games, and maybe even beat the Phoenix Suns, who entered the matchup as the presumed favorites. Phoenix is favored once again for Game 2, with a moneyline priced at -325, while the Clippers reprise their role as underdogs, with a moneyline priced at +250.
The Los Angeles Clippers (+7.5; ML +250)
The LA Clippers are the No. 5 seed in the West after finishing the season with a 44-38 (53.7%) record. They went 2-2 against the Suns in the regular season, losing twice in Los Angeles but winning twice on the road in Phoenix. The Clippers have now won three straight games in Phoenix after taking home the win in Game 1. LA was bolstered by Kawhi Leonard’s 38 point performance on Sunday, but it was Russell Westbrook who sealed the game for the Clippers with an incredible defensive play on Phoenix’s final possession. LA enters Game 2 as +7.5 point underdogs, but after their emphatic Game 1 victory, all the pressure is now on Phoenix and the Clippers can play the patient, methodical style Tyronn Lue loves.
The Phoenix Suns (-7.5; ML -325)
The Phoenix Suns are this year’s No. 4 seed in the West, going 45-37 (54.9%) in the regular season, 1 game ahead of the Clippers. The No. 4 seed versus No. 5 seed matchup is always a great series, and if Game 1 was any indication, this Suns vs Clippers matchup will be a thriller. The Suns were favored in Game 1, and could have won the game, but were foiled on their final possession. Kevin Durant led the Suns on offense with 27 points, while Devin Booker put together an outstanding defensive effort, recording 4 steals and 3 blocks. Phoenix will enter Game 2 with a vengeance and a dire need to even the series.
Clippers vs. Suns Odds
Team | Current Spread | Current Total | Opening Moneyline |
Los Angeles Clippers | +7.5 (-110) | Ov 226 (-110) | +250 |
Phoenix Suns | -7.5 (-110) | Un 226 (-110) | -325 |
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Clippers vs. Suns: Regular Season Stats
Los Angeles Clippers (44-38) 113.6 (T-17th) 113.1 (T-12th) 47.7 (13th) 38.1 (3rd) 114.0 (T-17th) 113.6 (17th) 23-18 (56.1%) 21-20 (51.2%) | Stat Type Points/Game Opponent Points/Game Field Goal % Three-Point % Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Home Record (Win-Rate) Away Record (Win-Rate) | Phoenix Suns (45-37) 113.6 (T-17th) 111.6 (6th) 46.7 (23rd) 37.4 (7th) 114.5 (14th) 112.3 (7th) 28-13 (68.3%) 17-24 (41.5%) |
Clippers vs. Suns: Betting Trends
Los Angeles Clippers 41-42 22-20 (Away) 24-29 (vs. West) 40-42-1 8-2 9-21 (as Underdogs) 5-15 (Underdogs Away) | Betting Trend ATS (Season) ATS (Home/Away) ATS (Conference) O/U (Season) O/U (Last 10) ML (Favorite/Underdog) ML (Home/Away) | Phoenix Suns 42-39-2 22-19-1 (Home) 28-24-1 (vs. West) 41-39-3 5-5 37-14 (as Favorites) 25-7 (Favorites Home) |
Clippers vs. Suns: Game Changers
Los Angeles Clippers
- Kawhi Leonard recorded 38 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in Game 1. During the regular season, he averaged 23.8 points per game through 52 games played
- Ivica Zubac recorded an impressive 12 points and 15 rebounds double-double in Game 1. He lead the Clippers with 9.9 rebounds per game during the regular season
- Paul George, who played 56 regular season games, remains sidelined with a knee injury. He is expected to miss the entire First Round series with Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
- Kevin Durant recorded a 27 points, 11 assists double-double in Game 1, and nearly had the triple-double with 9 rebounds
- Devin Booker was a defensive machine in Game 1 but also recorded a vital 26 points. During the regular season, Booker led the Suns with 27.8 points per game
- Chris Paul, who averaged 13.9 points per game during the season, recorded 7 points in 39 minutes, shooting 2/8 from the field, in Game 1 but lead the Suns with 11 rebounds
- Cameron Payne missed Game 1 with a back injury, and is doubtful for Game 2. If he can go, the Suns will get a much needed boost
Clippers vs. Suns Prediction
Take the Phoenix Suns to win Game 2. I have a hard time imagining the Suns losing two in a row at home. The Clippers Kawhi Leonard isn’t going to score 30+ points every game this series, especially against Phoenix’s top-ten rated defense. The Suns know how important it is to win your home games, and they will enter Game 2 with even more defensive intensity than they brought to Game 1. It will be another close game, as these are two evenly matched teams, but I’m confident the Suns will even the series on Tuesday. Phoenix has the experience, talent, and motivation needed to avoid disappointing their fans for a second time.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns Moneyline (-325) and the Under (226)
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