Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/16/23)

The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Phoenix Suns in a big Western Conference clash before the All-Star break. The Clippers are coming off a home win against the Warriors, while the Suns are coming off a home win against the Kings. This is an interesting matchup for Western Conference playoff seeding. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds

The Phoenix Suns are 1-point home favorites against the Los Angeles Clippers and are at -110 on the money line. The over/under is also at 221.5. The Suns being favored makes sense, because they’re the home team. The over/under makes sense because both teams are solid on defense, and very good on offense. This spread should move a bit before tip-off because it’s so close.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Prediction

The pick: Phoenix Suns -1

The Phoenix Suns have a lot of buzz around them right now because of the blockbuster trade they made for Kevin Durant just last week. Durant won’t be available to play for the Suns for another week, but they should still be ready for this game against the Clippers.

Devin Booker is a star and has came back from his injury and played really well. He’s the Suns’ leading scorer this year too. Deandre Ayton has stepped up really well and is the second-leading scorer for the Suns too. He also leads the team in rebounds per game for the season. Chris Paul has also had a very solid year in Phoenix, and still leads the team in assists per game. Those are the players to watch because the trade for Kevin Durant has left some of the production up in the air.

As a team, the Suns excel more on defense than on offense. They are top five in points allowed at 111.2 points per game and are top-10 in rebounds per game and blocks per game.

On the other side, the Clippers have finally found their stride this year. Kawhi Leonard has gotten hot recently and has been a big x-factor, while still being the second-leading scorer. Paul George has been great this year too. He leads the Clippers in scoring, assists, and steals per game for the season. He’s done it all this year. Marcus Morris Sr. and Ivica Zubac will be keys down low, especially with Zubac leading the Clippers in rebounds and blocks per game this season.

As a team, the Clippers excel more on defense than on offense. They are top five in points allowed at 111.2 points per game. They have great defenders across the roster.

The Suns need this game just as much as the Clippers do for playoff standings, and they are at home. The Suns are the play here, but expect this game to be very close throughout, but Phoenix winning in the end.

Betting Trends

Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.

Suns are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 

Key Matchups

Can Terance Mann matchup with Chris Paul? Can Torrey Craig matchup with Kawhi Leonard?

Chris Paul vs. Terance Mann

Chris Paul is still one of the best point guards in the NBA this year. He averages 14 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Terance Mann most of the game, who averages 9 points, 2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Chris Paul is still a master at passing the basketball and Mann is a good defender, so it will be interesting to see who can get the upper-hand here.

Kawhi Leonard vs. Torrey Craig

Kawhi Leonard has been great this year and especially recently. He averages 22 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Torrey Craig most of the game, who averages 8 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Craig is one of the few players that can matchup with Leonard defensively. Leonard has been great on offense recently, so it will be interesting to see what Craig could do against him here.

Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup

PG: Terance Mann
SG: Paul George
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
C: Ivica Zubac

Phoenix Suns Starting Lineups

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Torrey Craig
PF: Ish Wainright
C: Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: SF Norman Powell (Knee) O

Phoenix Suns Injuries: SF Kevin Durant (Knee) O, PG Cameron Payne (Foot) O