The Los Angeles Clippers (2-0) welcome the Phoenix Suns (1-1) to Crypto.com Arena Sunday. Tip is set for 10 p.m. ET (NBA TV).
The Clippers didn’t have F Kawhi Leonard last night against the Kings after he played in the season opener. With an injury management note, Leonard should be available against Phoenix.
LA beat the Lakers 103-97 to start the season, and then it beat the Kings 111-109 on Saturday evening behind 40 points from F Paul George, who also had 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the battle.
The Suns opened their season off with a 107-105 win over the Mavericks, a revenge match after being eliminated in the conference semifinals by Dallas. Phoenix then lost in overtime to Portland 113-111.
The Suns struggled to guard G Damian Lillard, who scored 41 points. Phoenix is led by G Devin Booker, who has 61 points through 2 games to go along with 6 assists per game.
Suns at Clippers odds
- Moneyline (ML): Suns -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Clippers -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Suns +1.5 (-103) | Clippers -1.5 (-117)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Suns at Clippers key injuries
Suns
- F Cameron Johnson (hip) questionable
Clippers
- PG John Wall (load management) probable
- SF Kawhi Leonard (load management) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Suns at Clippers picks and predictions
Prediction
Clippers 110, Suns 107
Moneyline
BET CLIPPERS (-108).
With Leonard back in the lineup, the Clippers will have their 2-headed monster in action. Despite Leonard’s minutes restrictions, he still scored 14 points in 21 minutes in his return to action.
The Clippers have a deep 10-man rotation, so the lack of energy on the 2nd night of a back-to-back isn’t concerning. Los Angeles has the No. 3 defensive rating as well the 10th-best net rating.
For the Suns, the absence of F Jae Crowder and the injury to Johnson are enough to assume their defense could take a hit. The Clippers’ strength is length forwards that can make difficult shots.
After being the only team in the top 5 on offensive and defensive rating last season, the Suns sit outside the top 10 in each through 2 games. They have struggled, and I expect those to continue Sunday.
Against the spread
PASS.
Given how close the odds are, I’ll take the similar moneyline odds.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 219.5 (-115).
The Suns sit 29th in pace through 2 games, and the Clippers on the 2nd game of a back-to-back don’t seem to be a team eager to run, sitting 14th in the category.
Both teams also rank outside of the top 10 in offensive rebounding rate and true shooting percentage, so efficiency and extra opportunities may be difficult to come by.
Considering that, I’d back the UNDER 219.5 (-115) here.