Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM EST
Venue: Intuit Dome
Spread: Clippers -5
Total: 227.5
Suns Look to Capitalize as Clippers Lose a Star
The Phoenix Suns travel to Los Angeles to face a Clippers team that will be without its superstar forward, Kawhi Leonard. This Western Conference matchup is heavily influenced by a significant Clippers injury report, which has reshaped the outlook of the game despite LA being listed as a 5-point favorite.
Depleted Clippers Must Rely on Depth
The biggest story heading into Saturday night is the status of the Clippers’ roster. According to multiple reports from ESPN, Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for the game against the Suns due to an ankle injury. This is a massive blow for Los Angeles, removing their top player from a key conference game.
The injury news doesn’t stop there. Guard James Harden is also listed as “day-to-day,” adding another layer of uncertainty for the Clippers. However, a projected minutes distribution for the game anticipates Harden playing a team-high 33 minutes. With Leonard officially out, the Clippers will need a big performance from Harden and will be forced to rely on contributions from players in expanded roles. Projections suggest that Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic, and John Collins will all see significant court time alongside Harden.
Suns’ Own Injury Concerns
The Suns are not without their own injury question marks. Forward Dillon Brooks is listed as questionable to play due to a groin injury, as reported by Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com. This is a new development for Phoenix, as one report notes this is the first time Brooks has appeared on the team’s injury report this season, making his potential absence a notable one. The Suns have dealt with injuries to other key players earlier in the season, but their focus will be on whether their key defensive wing can suit up for this matchup.
Prediction
The betting line is the most fascinating aspect of this game. The Clippers are favored by 5 points at home, a surprising line given that their best player, Kawhi Leonard, is confirmed to be out. This suggests that oddsmakers have faith in James Harden to carry the offensive load and for the Clippers’ supporting cast to step up.
However, losing a player of Leonard’s caliber on both ends of the floor is a monumental task to overcome. The Suns have an excellent opportunity to control the game and, at the very least, keep the score within the spread. The potential absence of the Suns’ Dillon Brooks complicates things, but the confirmed absence of Leonard is the more significant factor. Taking the points with the road underdog is the logical play here.
For the total of 227.5, Leonard’s absence impacts both sides. While his elite defense will be missed, his offensive production is what the Clippers will struggle most to replace. Without him, the Clippers’ offense is less potent and may have trouble keeping pace in a high-scoring affair. This points toward the game being a slightly lower-scoring contest than the total suggests.
The Pick: Suns +5
Over/Under: Under 227.5
Predicted Score: Suns 113 – Clippers 110
Sources:
Phoenix Suns Injury Status – ESPN
Phoenix Suns Injury Status – ESPN (PH)
Phoenix Suns Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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