Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Preview (10/23/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds
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Los Angeles hosts the Phoenix Suns in what could wind up eventually being the Western Conference Finals if both of these teams reach their potential! Below, I cover my prediction for this matchup, the projected starting lineups, updated odds, and applicable injuries that could alter the trajectory of the game. Check it all out below!
Phoenix Suns Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Clippers are 2.5-point home favorites against the Phoenix Suns in Crypto.com Arena. Phoenix was able to grab a comeback home win against Dallas in its first game but could not cover the spread. The Suns also did not cover the spread against the Portland Trail Blazers, who they lost to by two points in overtime. The Clippers caught a lucky break at the end of their game against the Lakers to cover with just two seconds remaining. Check the tiles above, as they are constantly updated with the latest odds on the Moneyline, spread, and point total!
Phoenix Suns Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
Phoenix had a major letdown game against Portland right after a massive second-half comeback victory against the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns dropped an overtime bout with the Trail Blazers, allowing Damian Lillard to drop 41 points on them.
The Clippers have been able to squeak by the Lakers in a close game. Los Angeles will be on the second night of a back-to-back but will have Kawhi Leonard and John Wall well-rested for it.
In the Clippers’ first game, they merely shot 31% from deep and did not get big performances out of any players; their leading scorers were John Wall and Paul George, with 15 points apiece. They will need a larger scoring output than that to keep up with the Clippers, even if they play high-quality defense.
It has only been two games, but the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers have struggled to efficiently put the ball in the basket, ranking 25th and 28th, respectively, in offensive rating. The major difference between the two is in defensive rating, where Los Angeles ranks third, and Phoenix is outside the top ten.
It’s so incredibly early in the season, so it’s hard to put any real weight into ratings or rankings, but I’m expecting a low-scoring game with the Clippers edging out the Suns in the final minutes. I have confidence in the Clippers’ bench to create enough separation when they’re on the floor. The Suns will struggle this season against deeper teams, so I’ll go with the Clippers’ Moneyline.
Betting Trends
- Phoenix was 27-20 ATS on the road in 2021-22
- Los Angeles was 20-22 ATS at home in 2021-22
- In four games in 2021-22, the average point total was 205.5 points
Key Matchups
The Suns versus Clippers game will provide us with plenty of key matchups to keep an eye out for, but the most important will be Devin Booker versus Paul George. Booker and George are two of the best shooting guards in the NBA, and both play for championship-contending squads. Check out the analysis for the matchup below.
Devin Booker vs. Paul George
Devin Booker has played against the Los Angeles Clippers 19 times in his career and has averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds on 41.1% from the field and 29.8% from deep; it’s safe to say that he hasn’t played exceptionally well against the Clips. Meanwhile. Paul George has posted 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on 46.1% from the floor and 37.7% from behind the arc in 22 games.
Don’t listen to what anyone says: matchups like this one matter to these guys, especially when it involves the top two shooting guards in the NBA, each vying to be the undisputed best at their position. With Kawhi Leonard easing his way back into regular-season minutes, I wouldn’t be shocked to see George take over for the second-straight game. He had a passive first game against the Lakers but exploded against the Sacramento Kings for 40 points in the Clippers’ second regular season game.
If George carries that momentum into this matchup, he could easily finish with 30 or more points once again. Booker is a solid defender, but not on the level that George is, so expect Booker to have to work for good looks on offense and be slightly overwhelmed with George’s craft on the other end. Advantage: Clippers.
Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Cameron Johnson
C: Deandre Ayton
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineups
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Paul George
SF: Norman Powell
PF: Marcus Morris Sr
C: Ivica Zubac
Key Injuries
Phoenix Suns Injuries: Jae Crowder (Out), Landry Shamet (Q)
Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: None
