PHOENIX -6 over LA Clippers
The Phoenix Suns try to complete a season sweep of the Los Angeles Clippers for the fourth time in six years tonight when they continue a six-game homestand at America West Arena. The Suns are 3-0 SU/ATS vs. the Clippers this season and are trying to sweep the season set for the fourth time since 1997. Phoenix has won 17 of the last 22 meetings with Los Angeles and enjoys a commanding 60-16 edge at home.
The Suns bounced back from a three-game slide to win three straight prior to the All Star break, including an overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls. Los Angeles - which did not have an All-Star representative - fell to 0-3 on a four-game road trip with an 89-80 loss to the Detroit Pistons last Wednesday. The sad Clippers have now lost its last six road games and are 7-17 away from Staples Center this season.
LA's best chance for revenge in this season series came a few weeks ago, when they hosted the Suns. They led for much of the game, only to allow Phoenix to take command of the game down the stretch. They will have little confidence coming into the desert this evening. The Clips are just 1-6 ATS when playing with revenge for a loss in which they committed 20+ turnovers, 1-6 ATS as a road dog with at least 2 days rest before and after the game, and, since the start of the 1999 season, are 2-6 ATS as a road underdog off 3 or more days rest.
Phoenix seems to have regained their mid-season momentum and we expect it to carry over here. At home off a win in which they trailed at the end of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters, the Suns are an incredible 10-0 ATS. Look for their second-half playoff push to begin here.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: PHOENIX 101 LA CLIPPERS 92