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After defeating the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Clippers are set to meet the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference finals. Game 1 will be important for both teams; they can get off to a hot start. It’s time to continue our NBA Playoffs odds series with a Clippers-Suns Game 1 prediction and pick.
The Suns are ready for the challenge after sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the second round. Both the Suns and the Clippers may be without a star player. Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard are out. Paul is in health and safety protocols after testing positive for COVID-19 while Leonard is dealing with an injury whose severity is unknown, but enough to keep him out for Sunday's early start at 12:30 p.m. in Phoenix.
With that accounted for here are the Clippers Suns Game 1 odds the sportsbooks have set.
NBA Odds: Clippers-Suns Game 1 Odds
Los Angeles Clippers +4 (-110)
Phoenix Suns -4 (-110)
Over 221.5 points (-110)
Under 221.5 points (-110)
Why the Clippers could cover the spread
The Clippers have survived the first two series even after falling behind 2-0 in both. Even after they lost Kawhi Leonard to injury the Clippers demonstrated how lethal the team is. Paul George has proved many doubters and haters wrong in these playoffs as he risen up to the challenge.
While George has played well it was Terrance Mann that led the team to victory to close out the Jazz in game 6. The Clippers once trailed by 26 points but dominated in the second half leading to a 131-119 victory. Mann had 39 points while shooting 15-21 from the field and 7-10 from 3. With Leonard out Mann was inserted into the starting lineup and that lineup is a hard to defend.
This small ball lineup has been key in the Clippers success and could be a nightmare for the Suns.
Why the Suns could cover the spread
When weighing Clippers-Suns Game 1 odds, consider this: The Suns have shown dominance throughout the first two rounds as they beat the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers and the MVP Nikola Jokic led Nuggets team. Devin Booker has proved to the NBA fans that he is more then just a regular season star. He showed this in the close out game against the Lakers when he went for 47 points.
Point guard Chris Paul has been the the other key player for the Suns. He has been very impactful for the team but may miss time in this series. Luckily for the Suns Cameron Payne has stepped up in the playoffs and could be a great starting guard for the team. He won't be as dynamic as Paul but could help the Suns to a Game 1 victory.
The biggest advantage for the Suns is having home court advantage in game 1. They have only lost one game at home in the playoffs and will look to continue that in game 1.
Final Clippers-Suns Game 1 Prediction and Pick
The Clippers have figured out how to a run an offense without Leonard and the game will be close. They have been running a small ball lineup that allows them to space the floor really well. While the Clippers have constructed this offense the Suns have shown the ability to adjust. Offensively for the Suns Deandre Ayton should be able to feast against the small ball Clippers. Even if the Suns are without Paul they have the offensive fire power to keep up with the Clippers.
Our Clippers Suns Game 1 pick: This game will be close since both teams have health concerns but the Suns will come out on top.
Final Pick: Phoenix Suns -4 (-110)
