Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers take on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns in prime time on Tuesday. The Clippers lead the Suns by a 1-0 margin in the 2023 NBA playoff series, with Phoenix aiming to even the score. The Suns host Game 2 at Footprint Center, with Phoenix winning 28 games at home in the regular season. The Clippers are 22-20 on the road when including the Game 1 win, and LA can take control of the first round series with a win. Paul George (knee) remains out for the Clippers, with Cameron Payne (back) listed as questionable for Suns.
Phoenix is listed as a 7.5-point home favorite at Caesars Sportsbook, and tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. The total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over/under, is 228 in the latest Clippers vs. Suns odds. Before locking in any Suns vs. Clippers picks, you need to see the NBA playoff predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
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 the second week of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-37 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $3,000. 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 playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Clippers vs. Suns:
- Suns vs. Clippers spread: Suns -7.5
- Suns vs. Clippers over/under: 228 points
- Suns vs. Clippers money line: Suns -365, Clippers +285
- LAC: The Clippers are 22-20 against the spread in road games
- PHX: The Suns are 22-19-1 against the spread in home games
- Suns vs. Clippers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Clippers can cover
Leonard keys the attack for the Clippers on both ends. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is a two-way force from the wing, and Leonard erupted for 38 points on 13-24 shooting in the Game 1 win for the Clippers. Leonard averaged 23.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game with 62.3% true shooting this season, and he upped that production to 27.1 points per game after the All-Star break. The Clippers were also 33-19 with Leonard in the lineup in 2022-23, posting a +6.1 net rating with Leonard on the floor.
In addition to Leonard's individual dominance, the Clippers grabbed 32% of available offensive rebounds in Game 1, and LA is potent from 3-point range. The Clippers were No. 3 in the NBA in 3-point accuracy (38.1%) during the regular season, and the Clippers finished well above the NBA average in field goal percentage (47.7%) and free throw creation (23.9 attempts per game). See which side to back at SportsLine.
Why the Suns can cover
The Suns are devastating on offense, led by Durant and Booker. Prior to the Game 1 loss to the Clippers, Phoenix was unbeaten with Durant in the lineup, and he put up 27 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds in Game 1. Booker averaged 27.8 points and 5.5 assists on 60.1% true shooting during the regular season, and the Suns also have strong supporting metrics. Phoenix averaged 27.3 assists per game, No. 4 in the NBA, and the Suns were also in the top five in offensive rebound rate (30.7%).
The Suns round out that profile with top-10 marks in second-chance points, 3-point accuracy, free throw accuracy, and turnover avoidance, with Phoenix also living in the top eight of the NBA in defensive efficiency this season. The Suns also have the benefit of home-court advantage and perhaps additional motivation after a disappointing Game 1 loss. See which side to back at SportsLine.
How to make Clippers vs. Suns picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 224 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in over 50% of simulations. You can see the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Suns vs. Clippers? And which side of the spread hits over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is 71-37 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
