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A Western Conference matchup has the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns colliding in Game 5 on Tuesday night. The Suns went 45-37 overall and finished the regular season as the No. 4 seed. Meanwhile, Los Angeles went 44-38 on the year, securing the fifth seed. Phoenix has a chance to wrap up the 2023 NBA playoff first-round series after winning three straight games. Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Paul George (knee) are both out for Los Angeles.

Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Caesars Sportsbook lists Phoenix as the 12.5-point favorite in the latest Suns vs. Clippers odds. The over/under for total points is 225. Before making any Clippers vs. Suns picks, you need to see the NBA playoff predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer simulation 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 entered the third week of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Suns vs. Clippers and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Clippers vs. Suns:

  • Suns vs. Clippers spread: Phoenix -12.5
  • Suns vs. Clippers over/under: 225 points
  • Suns vs. Clippers money line: Phoenix -800, Los Angeles +550
  • LAC: Clippers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss
  • PHO: Suns are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Tuesday games
  • Suns vs. Clippers picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Suns can cover

Guard Devin Booker continues to be one of the main catalysts on the offensive end. Booker is effective in both attacking the rim and with his jumper from the perimeter. The three-time All-Star can also catch fire in a hurry as he is leading the squad in points (34.8) with 4.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in this series. In Game 3, he totaled 45 points, six boards, and three steals.

Guard Chris Paul is a savvy and impactful veteran floor general. Paul does a phenomenal job setting up the offense and getting his teammates in the right spot to make a play. The 12-time All-Star is first on the team in assists (8.5) along with 13.3 points and 2.3 steals per game this postseason. On Saturday, Paul logged 19 points and nine assists. See who to back at SportsLine.

Why the Clippers can cover

Guard Terance Mann is a solid playmaker and active scoring threat off the bench. Mann is able to defend multiple positions at a high level, and the Florida State product also finishes strong around the rim. Mann averages 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He's scored in double figures in all four games, with 13 points and four dimes in his last outing.

Guard Eric Gordon gives this squad a natural scoring option in the backcourt. Gordon has shown the ability to attack the basket and be an asset as a shooter. The Indiana product is putting up 12.0 points while shooting 36% from beyond the arc this series. In Game 2, Gordon supplied 12 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. See who to back at SportsLine.

How to make Suns vs. Clippers picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 220 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Clippers vs. Suns? And which side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is 71-38 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.