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The Los Angeles Clippers host the Phoenix Suns in what should be an intense matchup Wednesday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Suns-Clippers prediction and pick.
Phoenix just eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night from the playoffs as the Lakers ended a horrific season. The Suns control the top record in the NBA (63-16) and pretty much dominated the entire league from the beginning. They hold an eight-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies, who also played extremely well this season with the second-best record in the NBA (55-24). The Suns now need to focus on health as they will enter the playoffs with the No. 1 seed.
The Clippers are going to end the season as the 8-seed but are playing for a winning record. They are currently (39-40) and have a chance at a winning record if they win out. They don't know who they will be facing at the 7-seed for the play-in game, however, as the Denver Nuggets hold a two-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. If the season ended now, the Clippers would travel to Minnesota for the play-in game. First, let's predict tonight's matchup.
Here are the Suns-Clippers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Suns-Clippers Odds
Phoenix Suns: +6.5 (-112)
Los Angeles Clippers: -6.5 (-108)
Over: 224 (-112)
Under: 224 (-108)
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Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
Yes, the Suns are coming off of a back-to-back in the same arena, but I didn't expect them to be underdogs in any game they play this season. Phoenix isn't dealing with any injuries that affect the team much. Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky are both out with knee injuries but if they were healthy, that would benefit the team a little. The Clippers, on the other hand, are still dealing with injuries but that hasn't seemed to affect them at all. They are winning games and it's a new hero each night.
The Suns might rest players tonight, but more than likely not as they may want to keep preparing for the playoffs. The Suns could end up facing the Clippers in the first round if it happens to fall that way. I expect the Suns to treat this like any other game and they will more than likely compete to win. With that said, the Suns are in a favorable position to cover this spread. The Clippers do pose a threat to them tonight, however.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
According to Tomer Azarly, Norman Powell is now questionable for tonight's game. He's been out the last few months with a toe injury but the team is now saying he's close to returning. He could play tonight, but as stated, it's questionable. Either way, his return is close and that should help Paul George and company make some noise in late April. George recently returned to the lineup after missing a majority of the season with nagging knee injuries himself. Kawhi Leonard continues to patiently wait his turn to come back also and when he does, this team will be scary.
The Clippers are the favorites tonight. They have played well recently and that is a major reason why. LA is coming off of back-to-back wins and three of their last four games. They took down the Milwaukee Bucks 153-119 two games ago and the New Orleans Pelicans 119-100 last Sunday. The Clippers are well rested and have a shot to “upset” the Suns tonight. They must contain Devin Booker as he's been on a tear lately, averaging 26.7 points per game on the season.
LA is (33-32) against the spread this season while the Suns are (34-28).
Final Suns-Clippers Prediction & Pick
The Suns have decided to rest their starters tonight, according to Tomer Azarly. The Clippers should cover this spread.
Final Suns-Clippers Prediction & Pick: Clippers -6.5 (-106)
