Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Game 4: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (4/22/23)
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The Phoenix Suns visit the Los Angeles Clippers in a big matchup in Game 4 of the Western Conference Playoffs. The Suns are coming off a close win against the Clippers, while the Clippers didn’t have Kawhi Leonard due to injury. My prediction is that the Suns cover the 7.5-point spread against the Clippers. The Suns are also currently -300 on the moneyline, per DraftKings sportsbook.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
The Phoenix Suns seem to be finding their stride at the right time in the playoffs with Kevin Durant.
After a slow start in Game 1, the Suns have now won straight games against the Clippers in large part because of how well Devin Booker has been playing. Devin Booker averaged 28 PPG this season for the Suns and now averages 36 PPG this series after scoring 38 and 45 points in consecutive games, per the Lineups game logs. Booker has been the biggest key for the Suns this series, but they still have Kevin Durant. He averages 27 points PPG this series and has been right next to Booker with scoring. Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul round out the big four for the Suns. Ayton averages 15 PPG and leads the team in rebounding this series at 11 per game, while Chris Paul averages 11 PPG and leads the team in assists at 8 per game this series.
The Suns have been great on defense this season. They’re 6th in points allowed at 111.6, 7th in defensive rating at 112.3, and 5th in blocks at 5.3 per game. They were also 9th in point differential at +2.
On the other side, the Los Angeles Clippers have competed very well despite all the injuries they’ve had to deal with.
The Clippers have competed well this series, but the difference has been Kawhi Leonard, and he missed last game, and will be without him in this game once again. He was averaging 34.5 PPG for the series. Norman Powell and Russell Westbrook are up next in production without Kawhi Leonard. Powell averages 23 PPG and scored 42 points last game too. Westbrook has played rejuvenated in this series so far. He averages 22 PPG and leads the Clippers in assists at 8 per game this series. Eric Gordon and Terance Mann are also big keys for the Clippers here. Gordon averages 13 PPG and Mann averages 10 PPG for the series.
The Clippers excel more on defense this year than offense. They’re 12th in points allowed at 113 PPG and are solid everywhere else.
The Suns are the pick in this game to win and cover. They have more firepower in this game because of the Clippers’ injuries. Suns should win and pull away late to cover.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds
The Phoenix Suns are 7.5-point favorites against the Los Angeles Clippers and are at -300 on the money line. The over/under is also at 225. The Suns being this much of a favorite makes sense because Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of the game because of his knee sprain. The Clippers are also missing Paul George still. The Suns are in prime position and these odds prove that. The over/under also makes sense because each team is very good on defense. This spread should stay where it’s at before tip-off too.
Betting Trends
Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Key Matchups
Can Eric Gordon matchup with Devin Booker? Can Chris Paul matchup with Russell Westbrook?
Devin Booker vs. Eric Gordon
Devin Booker has been great in the playoffs so far. He’s averaging 36 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game this series. He’ll be matched up against Eric Gordon most of the game, who averages 13 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds per game this series. Gordon is a good player, but Booker is on fire right now and is the biggest reason why the Suns will cover here.
Russell Westbrook vs. Chris Paul
Russell Westbrook has found new life on the Clippers. He’s averaging 22 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds this series, per Lineups game long info. He’ll be matched up against Chris Paul most of the game, who’s averaging 11 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds this series. Paul has looked old recently and this is a bad matchup for him with Westbrook’s physicality. Still, Suns are too much and cover.
Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Torrey Craig
C: Deandre Ayton
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineups
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Norman Powell
PF: Nicolas Batum
C: Ivica Zubac
Key Injuries
Phoenix Suns Injuries: Jaylen Brown (Q), Robert Williams (Q)
Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: Jaylen Brown (Q), Robert Williams (Q)
