Suns vs. Clippers Prediction & Odds
The fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns travel to L.A. to take on the #5-seed Clippers on NBA TV Thursday night at 10:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Can the Suns cover the 2.5-point spread as road favorites?
The series is tied 1-1.
The Phoenix Suns went 45-37 in the regular season. They are 1-1 in the playoffs this season. The Suns are 43-39-2 ATS on the year.
The Los Angeles Clippers went 44-38 in the regular season. They’re 1-1 in the playoffs this season. The Clippers are 41-43 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
551 Phoenix Suns (-2.5) at 552 Los Angeles Clippers (+2.5); O/U 226.5
10:30 PM ET, Thursday, April 20, 2023
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Suns vs. Clippers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 64% of public bettors are currently backing the Suns -2.5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Phoenix Suns DFS Spin
Phoenix point guard Cameron Payne is questionable for Thursday’s game with a back injury. Payne did not play in Game 2 of this series but averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 assists per game for the Suns in the regular season.
Suns small forward Torrey Craig has been a pleasant surprise for Phoenix so far in the postseason. Through 2 games, Craig is averaging 19.5 points and 3.5 made three-pointers per game in the 2023 playoffs. Phoenix has multiple shot creators that can draw the defense, so Craig should have a vast array of open three-point attempts against the Clippers in L.A. on Thursday.
Los Angeles Clippers DFS Spin
Clippers forward Paul George will remain out for Thursday’s game and beyond with a right knee sprain. George was tied for the team lead in scoring in the regular season with 23.8 points per game. His lockdown defense and shot creation could be sorely missed on Thursday.
Los Angeles shooting guard Terance Mann could be in line for a big scoring night on Thursday. The Clippers will be at home, and role players like Mann typically perform better in their home arena. What’s more, Mann scored 26 points against Phoenix on February 16th and poured in 22 points against the Suns on December 15th. The Suns’ better on-ball defenders may be assigned to Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook, which could pave the way for a standout Terance Mann performance in Game 3.
Suns vs. Clippers NBA Betting Trends
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 day of rest.
Phoenix is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 first-round playoff games.
Los Angeles is 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 1 day of rest.
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning straight-up record.
Suns vs. Clippers NBA Prediction
The Suns seemed to have figured some things out in the second half of Game 2 on Tuesday. They outscored the Clippers 64-50 in the second half, and Phoenix’s shot creators consistently took and made quality shots. When the Suns have Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul cooking, they are one of the best teams in the league. Furthermore, Phoenix has had L.A.’s number of late. The Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Los Angeles, and Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against the Clippers in Los Angeles. It probably won’t be easy, but I like the Suns to win this game by a possession or more on the road on Thursday.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: PHOENIX SUNS -2.5
