The Los Angeles Clippers (32-28) head over to Footprint Center to play the Phoenix Suns (32-27) on Thursday evening. These teams are only separated by a half-game in the conference standings, with the Suns at the fourth spot and the Clippers as the fifth seed. Phoenix has won both regular season matchups thus far. Kevin Durant (knee) remains out for Phoenix, while Norman Powell (knee) is out for the Clippers.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET in Phoenix. Caesars Sportsbook lists Phoenix as a 1-point favorite in the latest Clippers vs. Suns odds. The over/under for total points is set at 221.5. Before making any Suns vs. Clippers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 18 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 55-29 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,200. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Clippers vs. Suns and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Suns vs. Clippers:
- Clippers vs. Suns spread: Phoenix -1
- Clippers vs. Suns Over-Under: 221.5 points
- Clippers vs. Suns money line: Phoenix +100, Los Angeles -120
- LAC: Over is 7-1 in Clippers' last 8 games following an ATS win
- PHO: Under is 5-1 in Suns' last 6 overall
- Clippers vs. Suns picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Suns can cover
Guard Devin Booker is an outstanding offensive weapon who owns the skillset to attack from all three levels on the floor including a smooth post-game. The three-time All-Star is averaging 26.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He also shoots 36% from downtown on 6.2 attempts. In his last contest, Booker racked up 32 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Center DeAndre Ayton provides the Suns with an athletic and agile scoring presence in the lane. Ayton can score with both hands in the paint to pair with his mid-range jumper. The Arizona product logs 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while ranking eighth in the NBA in double-doubles (29). On Feb. 14, Ayton finished with 29 points and 11 boards.
Why the Clippers can cover
Forward Kawhi Leonard continues to be a dominant force on the wing. Leonard has the offensive game plan to attack from a variety of spots and plays top-notch defense. The five-time All-Star puts up 22.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. He's amassed 30-plus points in two of his last four games, including on Tuesday, when Leonard dropped 33 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Center Mason Plumlee was recently acquired by Los Angeles and provides this group with a strong rebounder and tough defender in the paint. The Duke product is mobile for a big man and can finish above the rim consistently. He averages 12.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and ranks third in the NBA in field-goal percentage (66.9%). Plumlee logged eight points, five rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes in his Clippers debut.
How to make Clippers vs. Suns picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 232 points. The model also says one side hits almost 60% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Suns vs. Clippers? And which side hits almost 60% 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, and find out.
