The 2-seed Phoenix Suns host the 4-seed Los Angeles Clippers for Game 1 of their Western Conference Finals playoff series at their self-titled arena Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Clippers-Suns odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
L.A. rallied back from a 2-0 series deficit (again) in their Western Conference Semifinals matchup with the Utah Jazz to win four straight (4-0 against the spread) despite losing All-NBA wing Kawhi Leonard in Game 4 for the remainder of the series.
Phoenix has won seven straight (7-0 ATS) since losing Game 3 of their first-round series with the 7-seed Los Angeles Lakers, including a sweep of the 3-seed Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Clippers at Suns: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:07 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Clippers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Suns -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Clippers +4 (-110) | Suns -4 (-110)
- Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Clippers at Suns: Key injuries
Clippers
- SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
Suns
- PG Chris Paul (health and safety protocols) out
Special NBA Playoff Promotion!
Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game.
Promotion available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C.
Place all of your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Clippers at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Clippers 115, Suns 106
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” to the CLIPPERS (+145) for a half unit because I “like” L.A. plus the points and want to wring out a little value with the dog on the money line.
Also, I’ll source the “hot hand” theory for the Clippers, and the Suns are without their leader Chris Paul who’s sidelined for at least Game 1 and perhaps longer, in accordance with the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
For instance, after falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Clippers’ offense torched the Jazz the next four games and have the No. 1 offensive rating in the postseason.
L.A. had a 63.4% effective field goal shooting in the final four games of the series vs. Utah thanks in part to PG Reggie Jackson, SF Terance Mann SF Nicolas Batum and SG Luke Kennard all shooting 47.4% or better from three on the series.
The Clippers beat the Suns in two of their three regular-season meetings and Phoenix’s lone victory was in ate April at home against a Kawhi-less L.A. However, CP3 was sensational in that game, scoring a game-high 28 points on 66.7% shooting (10-for-15) with 10 assists and 3 steals.
Furthermore, Paul George stepped up in Games 4 and 5 when Kawhi went down to lead the Clippers past the Jazz and led L.A. in points, rebounds and assists per game for the series.
Moreover, PG outscored Suns All-Star Devin Booker in all three meetings this year, averaging 32.3 points per game on 70.9% true shooting (.563/.607/.800) with 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in those contests.
Finally, Clippers head coach Ty Lue has done a phenomenal job making in-series adjustments in both of L.A.’s series wins this postseason and he can certainly outmaneuver a Suns squad without floor general, CP3.
Since CP3 will almost definitely return to action before this series is over and Kawhi’s availability being doubtful at best, the Clippers know if they have any chance of winning this series they need to steal one of the first two games in Phoenix with Paul sidelined.
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Against the spread (ATS)
Definitely BET the CLIPPERS +4 (-110) heavier than or instead of L.A.’s money line as my favorite play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
The early betting splits indicate the presumed “sharp” money is on L.A. and the “average Joe” is backing Phoenix.
According to Pregame.com, over 60% of the money wagered is on the Clippers but a slight majority of the bets placed have been on the Suns and typically it’s wiser to follow the money, not the crowd, in sports betting.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS. Since my predicted score aligns with BetMGM‘s projected total I don’t see any value in betting the total in Game 1.
That being said, I slightly “lean” to the Over 221.5 (-115) because CP3 out of the lineup hurts Phoenix’s defense and the absence of Paul could remove the structure in the Suns’ offense leading to more of an uptempo Phoenix pace.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]