After winning Game 1 on Sunday 120-114, the host Phoenix Suns will look to move out to a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night. Phoenix has won a franchise record eight consecutive postseason games. The Clippers have bounced back after getting behind in both of their 2021 NBA Playoffs series so far. Both teams will be missing a star player, as Chris Paul (health and safety protocols) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) have been ruled out for Game 2.
Tip-off from Phoenix is set for 9 p.m. ET. William Hill Sportsbook lists Phoenix as a 4.5-point favorite in the Clippers vs. Suns odds. The over-under for total points is down to 222.5 after opening at 224. Before finalizing any Suns vs. Clippers picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned almost $9,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past two-plus seasons. The model is up almost $700 on its top-rated picks this season and entered the conference finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on a stunning 100-66 roll on top-rated NBA picks against the spread dating back to last season. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has locked in its Clippers vs. Suns picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting trends for Suns vs. Clippers:
- Clippers vs. Suns spread: Suns -4.5
- Clippers vs. Suns over-under: 222.5 points
- Clippers vs. Suns money line: Suns -190, Clippers +170
- LAC: The Clippers are 8-6-1 against the spread as an underdog
- PHO: The Suns are 28-14 at home against the spread
Why the Clippers can cover
Paul George scored 34 points, making seven 3-pointers in Game 1. He became the fourth player in franchise history with seven-plus 3-pointers made in a playoff game. Reggie Jackson had 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field. He has scored 20-plus points in three consecutive playoff games. The Clippers made 20 of 47 3-point attempts, becoming just the third team in league history to hit 20-plus 3-pointers in consecutive games.
The Clippers have made 15-plus 3-pointers in five straight games, the fourth longest such streak in NBA playoff history. Los Angeles won two of the three regular season meetings between the teams. George averaged 32.3 points in those matchups. Nicolas Batum had 10 rebounds in Game 1. Marcus Morris Sr., who has been dealing with a sore knee, is not on the injury report for Game 2.
Why the Suns can cover
Phoenix is 28-14 at home against the spread this season and the Suns are 26-11 as home favorites. Once again, they will lean on Devin Booker with Paul out, as he certainly proved capable of handling a heavier postseason load in Game 1 against the Clippers. He recorded his first ever career triple-double with 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. It was the 12th 40-point triple-double in NBA history and just the second all time for the Suns. Booker has 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in each of his last two games, and is just one of two Suns to ever accomplish the feat.
Phoenix shot a season-high 55.1 percent from the field in Game 1. In his first career playoff start, Cameron Payne had nine assists. The Suns totaled 31 assists, their most so far this postseason. Deandre Ayton had 20 points on 10-14 shooting from the field. He also shot 64.5 percent from the field against Los Angeles in three regular season meetings. Phoenix has not trailed in the fourth quarter in the 2021 NBA Playoffs since Game 3 of its opening round series against the Lakers.
How to make Suns vs. Clippers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning under on the total, projecting 216 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time. You can only get this pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Clippers vs. Suns? And which side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks.
