The Los Angeles Clippers return to Staples Center to face the Phoenix Suns after surviving yet another elimination game in their playoff run. It’s time to continue our NBA Playoffs odds series and make a Suns-Clippers prediction and pick for Game 6.
The Suns now stand at 11-4 in the postseason overall and 10-5 against the spread. The Suns are 5-2 on the road in the playoffs so far.
The Clippers stand at 10-8 in the postseason overall, with an ATS record of 11-7-1. They are 5-4 on their home floor and have won four of their last five matchups at Staples.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Suns-Clippers Game 6 odds.
NBA Odds: Suns-Clippers Game 6 Odds
Phoenix Suns -1 (-108)
Los Angeles Clippers +1 (-112)
Over 214.5 Points (-115)
Under 214.5 Points (-105)
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
Phoenix has been one of the most consistent playoff teams in the league this year. Throughout their run, they've only lost consecutive games once (to the Lakers) and collected nine straight wins before falling in Game 3 to the Clippers.
Additionally, the Suns have been an excellent road team as they attempt to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in over two decades. In both series prior, the Suns eliminated their opponent while playing away from home.
It seems like everything is lining up for the Suns to clinch, especially as Kawhi Leonard continues to be absent for the Clippers. However, there are some serious issues Phoenix needs to turn around in order to end the series in just six games.
Ever since Game 1 against the Clippers, the Suns have scuffled offensively. One of the biggest concerns is the play of Devin Booker.
In Games 2-5, Booker averaged 22.8 points while shooting only 33.3% from the field and 28.6% from 3. While a good part of this can be attributed to some hounding defense from Patrick Beverley, Booker is also just missing shots he has made all playoffs.
The Suns star is too good to play so poorly for such an extended period, and I expect him to have a big game on Wednesday after showing signs of coming out of his slump last time out. The Clippers will amp up the pace, which fits the style of Booker more so than Chris Paul. The brunt of the offense will fall in his lap, and he should deliver.
On the defensive end, the Suns need to control the painted area against a Clippers team that is struggling to consistently knock down the 3.
In Game 6, Phoenix was head-scratchingly outscored by a Ivica Zubac-less Clippers 56-32 in the painted area. It was the first time all series Los Angeles won the paint battle, and it's unlikely that happens again. The Suns have held opponents to the lowest field goal percentage inside the arc of any playoff contender.
Expect Phoenix to take back control of the interior and dominate on the inside behind Deandre Ayton and Booker drives to the bucket. CP3 is also due for a bounce-back game after struggling in his return from COVID-19.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
Los Angeles continues to defy the odds with Kawhi Leonard still sidelined by injury. The Clippers are actually 4-3 since their best player suffered a right knee sprain.
The Clips have continued to win games on the combination of the emergence of Playoff P, several role players playing out of their minds, and some suffocating defense.
Let's start with Paul George. Twitter's favorite target has shut mouths with his performance with Leonard out. In the seven games The Klaw has missed, George is averaging 30.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field.
It's easy to forget that PG-13 is a legitimate star in this league, especially when you look through Twitter on one of his off nights. George has reminded us that he is capable of carrying a team on his own for a stretch.
But PG hasn't done it all on his own. The Clippers have received some incredible performances from their role players.
All season, the Clippers were praised for their depth. Now, it's showing in the playoffs. Reggie Jackson is probably playing the best basketball of his life, averaging 21.8 points while shooting 47.2% from the field in the series. Marcus Morris has run hot and cold, but is still shooting 37.6% from 3 in the postseason. Terance Mann had the game of his life to close out the Utah Jazz and is still an important contributor.
LA might not have its main guy, but the remaining players are putting in the work on both ends. This might be most apparent on the defensive end. Just take a look at Devin Booker and Chris Paul's numbers in the last couple games to see it.
As mentioned above, Booker has been ice cold in the last four games. Paul is shooting 31.7% from the field and 12.5% from 3 in the series. Mikal Bridges, after averaging 12.4 points in the first two series, now is averaging 8.6 points against the Clippers.
LA is making life tough on the Suns' wings and guards, with Beverley, Morris, Mann, and George all digging in on defense. The Clippers' tendency to play center-less ball allows them to switch everything, and Phoenix's shooters aren't getting much space as the Clips effortlessly mold to cover the court.
As long as the hard-nosed defense continues, the Clippers have a good shot of staying alive and forcing a Game 7.
Final Suns-Clippers Game 6 Prediction & Pick
The Suns are the only team left in the league that has a fully healthy team and no injured star. The Clippers have performed admirably without Leonard, and to be honest, probably win this series with him on the court. However, they can only stand up to this Suns juggernaut for so long. I expect this game to come down to the wire, but Phoenix's star power will put them over the edge. Bank on the Suns to book their spot to the Finals.
FINAL SUNS-CLIPPERS GAME 6 PREDICTION & PICK: PHOENIX SUNS -1: PHX 112, LAC 109
Follow Us
Subscribe